Some MLB players are simply indispensable.
Clayton Kershaw fit that description during his historically dominant 2014 season. The lefty ace won 21 of his 27 starts, which made him the first pitcher to accomplish that feat in 134 years, per ESPN Stats & Info.
In 2014, Kershaw was the most important member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. What follows is a look around the league at the “most important players” at each position entering 2015. The idea isn’t just to compile a list of the best big leaguers at their respective spots, but rather it’s to single out the players who have the ability to swing the playoff races in the upcoming season.
Some of the standouts on the “M.I.P.” team will have to overcome significant injury concerns in 2015. There’s also room on the squad for a couple of rising stars who will be tasked with becoming game-changers for their teams.