Shohei Ohtani Headlines 2025 MLB All-World Team

The 2025 MLB season has really shown just how global baseball’s become. MLB.com’s Michael Clair put together his 2025 All-World Team — a lineup honoring the best players born outside the United States, including Puerto Rico.

Only one player represents each country or territory. That rule means this team isn’t just about star power; it’s a glimpse at how every corner of the baseball world now sends impact players to the big leagues.

The Concept Behind the 2025 All-World Team

The All-World Team keeps it simple, but challenging: only one player per country or territory. That twist turns the exercise into more than a rundown of top performers.

It’s a snapshot of the game’s global depth, and honestly, it’s a bit wild to see how diverse the MLB talent pool has gotten.

Mexico: Alejandro Kirk’s Breakout at Catcher

Alejandro Kirk gets the nod at catcher for Mexico after a big year with the Toronto Blue Jays. He’s always had a knack for making contact, but in 2025 he finally tapped into real power — and it showed late in the season.

Kirk became a centerpiece for Mexican baseball, especially in a year that saw three Mexican-born All-Stars. That’s a huge deal for a country whose MLB presence just keeps rising.

Canada: Josh Naylor Redefines First Base

First base goes to Josh Naylor from Canada, and it’s not just about his bat. Naylor shocked everyone by swiping 30 stolen bases — not something you expect from a first baseman.

That mix of power and unexpected speed turned him into one of the most fun and unpredictable guys at the position.

Bahamas: Jazz Chisholm Jr. Becomes a True Star

Few players in 2025 were more electric than Jazz Chisholm Jr., repping the Bahamas at second base. Now in New York, he exploded for a 30/30 season, mixing homers with blazing speed.

Chisholm’s energy and two-way skills made him a real force, and he’s definitely one of the faces of the sport’s new, flashier era.

Shortstop Standout: Geraldo Perdomo’s Surprising Surge

Geraldo Perdomo quietly became one of the league’s most valuable shortstops. He set career highs across the board and handled a tough position with ease.

Perdomo ranked fifth in WAR among all hitters, showing he’s gone from a solid guy to a real star in the infield.

Venezuela: Eugenio Suárez Locks Down the Hot Corner

Third base goes to Eugenio Suárez of Venezuela. He’s a familiar name, still cranking out power and playing steady defense at third.

In a country loaded with infield talent, Suárez stands out for his consistency and ability to anchor a lineup year after year.

Global Glove Work: Rafaela and Lee Lead the Outfield

The outfield mix really shows how international baseball has changed. It’s not just about big bats or arms anymore — it’s about complete players.

Ceddanne Rafaela from Curaçao became an elite defensive outfielder, covering tons of ground with ridiculous instincts. Jung Hoo Lee from Korea brought a disciplined approach and contact skills, proving you don’t need to hit a ton of homers to make an impact.

Japan: Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Two-Way Impact

Designated hitter? That’s easy: Shohei Ohtani for Japan. He smashed over 50 home runs again, just a ridiculous offensive force.

But what really made 2025 special was his return to the mound midseason. Ohtani’s two-way talent still feels unreal — nobody else changes a team’s plans quite like him.

On the Mound: José Quintana’s Consistent Excellence

José Quintana of Colombia handled the starting pitching spot with his usual calm. He finished with a sub-4.00 ERA, giving his team quality innings all year.

Quintana also became the winningest Colombian-born pitcher in MLB history. That’s a testament to his skill and, honestly, his ability to stick around through all the ups and downs.

Puerto Rico: Edwin Díaz Slams the Door

Puerto Rico’s closer, Edwin Díaz, finished off the team. After some bumps earlier in his career, Díaz bounced back with a sparkling 1.63 ERA.

Armed with that nasty fastball-slider combo, he turned the ninth inning into a near-lockdown. He’s the perfect closer for a roster built on international talent.

What the 2025 All-World Team Says About Baseball’s Future

Look at these names, and you can’t miss it: baseball’s more international—and honestly, more competitive—than it’s ever been.

The talent pipeline now stretches from the Bahamas to Korea, Mexico to Curaçao. It’s wild to see just how global the game’s become.

With the World Baseball Classic coming up, this All-World Team almost feels like a sneak peek at the players who’ll shape the next era of international baseball.

It’s a reminder, too, that the sport’s story will get written in a bunch of languages, on fields scattered all over the world.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Ohtani leads the way on 2025’s All-World team