Who made our MLB All Quarter-Century Team? Hall of Famers, 2025 stars

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Who made our MLB All Quarter-Century Team? Hall of Famers, 2025 stars

Jesse Yomtov, Bob Nightengale, Gabe Lacques and Steve Gardner, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Mon, Dec 29, 2025 ·

5 min read

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The first quarter of the 21st century is in the books, with 26 seasons of Major League Baseball taking place since the planet didn't implode over Y2K.

In that time, we've seen some of the greatest players in the history of the game from 1980s holdovers like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens to the modern marvels in reigning back-to-back MVPs Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani .

We surveyed USA TODAY Sports' staff of MLB writers and editors on who should make up baseball's All Quarter-Century Team and there was consensus on most players who wound up making the list of 10 positions, five starting pitchers and a closer.

There are certainly some notable snubs! Alex Rodriguez and Adrian Beltre each have a more-than valid shout and the manager ( Bruce Bochy ?) of this team would surely get them regular at-bats – though curiously, nine of the 10 hitters are right-handed.

With that, here's the full look at USA TODAY Sports' All Quarter-Century MLB Team:

Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge and Mike Trout during the 2018 All-Star Game.

Catcher: Yadier Molina (2004-2022)

St. Louis Cardinals (2004-2022)

10-time All-Star
Nine Gold Glove awards
Two World Series titles – 2006 and 2011

Also receiving votes: Buster Posey , Joe Mauer

First base: Albert Pujols (2001-2022)

St. Louis Cardinals (2001-2011, 2022), Los Angeles Angels (2011-2021), Los Angeles Dodgers (2021)

703 home runs – fourth all-time
Three National League MVP awards – 2005, 2008 and 2009
2,218 RBI – second all time
3,384 hits – 10th all time
11-time All-Star
Two World Series titles – 2006 and 2011
Two Gold Glove awards

Second base: Jose Altuve (2011-present)

Houston Astros (2011-2025)

2017 American League MVP
Two World Series titles – 2017 and 2022
2015 AL Gold Glove award
.303 career average, 2,388 hits

Also receiving votes: Chase Utley

Third base: Miguel Cabrera (2003-2023)

Florida Marlins (2003-2007), Detroit Tigers (2008-2023)

2012 and 2013 American League MVP
511 home runs – 25th all time
3,174 hits
1,881 RBIs – 13th all time
2012 Triple Crown, MLB's first since 1967 with 44 HR, 139 RBIs, .330 average
Four batting titles – 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015
2003 World Series title

Also receiving votes: Adrian Beltre, Alex Rodriguez

Since 2000, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols' 101.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) leads all players, with Alex Rodriguez tied for second ways back at 89.7 WAR. See the rest of the top 25.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)

2. Alex Rodriguez - 89.7
(Al Bello, Getty Images)

3. Adrian Beltre - 89.7
(Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images)

4. Mike Trout - 87.5
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)

5. Justin Verlander - 82.2
(Thomas Shea, Imagn Images)

6. Clayton Kershaw - 78.1
(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)

7. Mookie Betts - 75.2
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)

8. Max Scherzer - 74.7
(Brad Mills, Imagn Images)

9. Zack Greinke - 72.4
(Jasen Vinlove, Imagn Images)

10. Robinson Cano - 68.7
(Kelvin Kuo, Imagn Images)

11. Miguel Cabrera - 67.2
(Quinn Harris, Imagn Images)

12. Carlos Beltran - 65.1
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)

13. Chase Utley - 64.6
(Scott Rovak, Imagn Images)

14. Freddie Freeman - 64.2
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)

15. Paul Goldschmidt - 63.8
(Jeff Curry, Imagn Images)

16. Joey Votto - 63.6
(Michael McLoone, Imagn Images)

17. Roy Halladay - 62.4
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)

18. Aaron Judge - 62.3
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)

19. CC Sabathia - 61.8
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)

20. Manny Machado - 61.7
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)

21. Ichiro Suzuki - 60
(Darren Yamashita, Imagn Images)

22. Mark Buehrle - 60
(Kyle Terada, Imagn Images)

23. Barry Bonds - 59.1
(Jack Gruber, USA TODAY)

24. Evan Longoria - 58.9
(Kim Klement, Imagn Images)

25. Chipper Jones - 58.3
(Darren Hauck, for USA TODAY)

Shortstop: Derek Jeter (1995-2014)

New York Yankees (1995-2014)

Stats from 2000-2014

Two World Series titles – 2000 and 2009
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame (2020)
Five Gold Glove awards
12-time All-Star from 2000

Also receiving votes: Mookie Betts , Alex Rodriguez

Outfield: Mike Trout (2011-present)

Los Angeles Angels (2011-2025)

Three American League MVP awards – 2014, 2016 and 2019
11-time All-Star
404 home runs, 214 stolen bases

Also receiving votes: Carlos Beltran , Barry Bonds

Outfield: Aaron Judge (2016-present)

New York Yankees (2016-2025)

Three American League MVP awards: 2022, 2024 and 2025
Four 50 HR seasons – one of only four players in history
1.028 OPS – ninth all time
.615 slugging percentage – sixth all time
AL record 62 home runs in 2022

Outfield: Mookie Betts (2014-present)

Boston Red Sox (2014-2019), Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-2025)

2018 American League MVP
Four World Series titles – 2018, 2020, 2024 and 2025
Eight-time All-Star
Six Gold Glove awards

Designated hitter: David Ortiz (1997-2016)

Minnesota Twins (1997-2002), Boston Red Sox (2003-2016)

Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame (2022)
541 career home runs – 17th all time
1,768 career RBIs – 23rd all time
10-time All-Star
Three World Series titles – 2004, 2007 and 2013

Also receiving votes: Shohei Ohtani

Starting pitcher: Clayton Kershaw (2008-2025)

Los Angeles Dodgers (2008-2025)

Three NL Cy Young awards – 2011, 2013 and 2014
2014 National League MVP
Three World Series titles – 2020, 2024 and 2025
Five NL ERA titles – 2011-2014, 2017
3,052 career strikeouts – 20th all time
4.271 strikeouts per walk – 12th all time

Also receiving votes : Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez , Roy Halladay

USA Team All-Star Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the World Team during the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game at AT&T Park on July 8, 2007, in San Francisco.
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch in his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on May 25, 2008, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw pitches in the sixth inning in his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on May 25, 2008. The Dodgers defeated the Cardinals 4-3 in 10 innings.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre pats starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw on the back as he relieves him in the eighth inning with catcher Russell Martin standing by against the San Diego Padres on Sept. 2, 2008, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws from the mound against the San Diego Padres during their MLB game on April 9, 2009, at Petco Park in San Diego.
(Donald Miralle, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates an Orlando Hudson at-bat resulting in a fielder's choice and error to score Mark Loretta with the bases loaded in the 11th inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium on May 18, 2009, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw pitches in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 21, 2009.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after the game with the Colorado Rockies on Oct. 3, 2009, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Dodgers won 5-0 to clinch the National League West.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw on the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 2 of the 2009 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw signs balls for fans of the St. Louis Cardinals before a 2009 NLDS game at Busch Stadium on Oct. 10, 2009, in St Louis.

(Dilip Vishwanat, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw is pulled from the game during the fifth inning of Game 1 of the 2009 NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 15, 2009.
(Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw lays down a bunt in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on May 9, 2010.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Jeff Pentland in the dugout with players Reed Johnson, A.J. Ellis, Clayton Kershaw, Brad Ausmus and Scott Podsednik during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 5, 2010.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with catcher Rod Barajas after defeating the San Francisco Giants during a game at AT&T Park on Sept. 14, 2010, in San Francisco.

(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw in the dugout after he is pulled in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on April 21, 2011. The Dodgers won 5-3 in the 12th inning.

(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw and center fielder Matt Kemp celebrate after Kershaw's complete game shutout against the Detroit Tigers on June 20, 2011, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)

From left to right: National League All-Stars Pablo Sandoval, Justin Upton, Starlin Castro and Clayton Kershaw celebrate after defeating the American League in the 2011 MLB All-Star Game at Chase Field on July 12, 2011.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Catcher Rod Barajas of the Los Angeles Dodgers argues with home plate umpire Bill Welke after pitcher Clayton Kershaw was thrown out of the game for hitting Gerardo Parra of the Arizona Diamondbacks with a pitch at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 14, 2011, in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw prepares to deliver a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at AT&T Park on Sept. 9, 2011.
(Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and wife Ellen Kershaw pose for a photo at a press conference at Dodger Stadium to discuss their book on Jan. 17, 2012.

(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Pitcher Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers is presented the National League Cy Young Award plaque by former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela prior to the start of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium on April 11, 2012 in Los Angeles.

(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)

Andre Ethier, Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose with their 2011 Gold Gloves before the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on April 13, 2012, in Los Angeles.

(Harry How, Getty Images)

Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers receives a high-five from Clayton Kershaw after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Houston Astros on April 20, 2012, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
(Bob Levey, Getty Images)

National League All-Star pitcher Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers talks with catcher Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants and pitching coach Dave Duncan during the fifth inning of the 2012 MLB All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium on July 10, 2012.
(H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, relief pitcher Kenley Jansen and right fielder Andre Ethier celebrate with third baseman Hanley Ramirez after Ramirez hit a walk-off single against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 5, 2012.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers signs autographs before the MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on Aug. 19, 2012, in Atlanta.
(Scott Cunningham, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws a pitch in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sept. 11, 2012. (Editors note: Multiple exposure image)
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is awarded the Roberto Clemente Award by commissioner Bud Selig and MLB goodwill ambassador Vera Clemente prior to Game 4 of the 2012 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers on Oct. 28, 2012.
(Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw rounds the bases after a solo home run in the eighth inning of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2013.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp pours a bucket of ice water on starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw as he is being interviewed by Fox Sports West reporter Jim Watson after the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2013.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers fans cheer starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw as he is relieved in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on May 14, 2013.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)

National League All-Stars Patrick Corbin, Pedro Alvarez, Jeff Locke, Jordan Zimmerman and Clayton Kershaw watch from the dugout at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game on July 16, 2013, at Citi Field in New York.
(Drew Hallowell, Getty Images)

Adrian Gonzalez and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after Gonzalez scored the winning run in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 9, 2013, in Los Angeles.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates in the clubhouse after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 to clinch the NL West title at Chase Field on Sept. 19, 2013.
(Rob Schumacher, The Arizona Republic / USA TODAY Sports)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers receives an ovation as he leaves the game with a 10-0 lead over the Colorado Rockies during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 27, 2013, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Atlanta Braves during Game 1 of the NLDS at Turner Field on Oct. 3, 2013, in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Kenley Jansen and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after defeating the Atlanta Braves 4-3 in Game 4 of the 2013 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 7, 2013, in Los Angeles.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt comes out to talk with starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw and catcher A.J. Ellis during the third inning in Game 6 of the 2013 NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Oct. 18, 2013.
(Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers players Clayton Kershaw and Adrian Gonzalez celebrate with Chone Figgins after he scored the winning run on a walk-off single by Carl Crawford in the 10th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on April 8, 2014.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after recording the final out of his no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2014. The Dodgers won 8-0.

(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates with teammates after recording the final out of his no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2014. The Dodgers won 8-0.

(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers All-Stars Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Dee Gordon and Yasiel Puig pose with National League jerseys before the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on July 11, 2014.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has champagne poured on him following the Dodgers' 9-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants to win the NL West at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 24, 2014, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts in the dugout during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the 2014 NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 3, 2014, in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts after giving up a three-run home run to St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams in the seventh inning during Game 4 of the 2014 NLDS at Busch Stadium on Oct. 7, 2014.
(Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports)

National League All-Stars Clayton Kershaw, Joc Pederson and Bryce Harper warm up prior to the 86th MLB All-Star Game at the Great American Ball Park on July 14, 2015, in Cincinnati.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers is sprayed with champagne after the Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 8-0 to clinch the NL West at AT&T Park on Sept. 29, 2015, in San Francisco.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw leaves the field after becoming the 11th player in MLB history with 300 strikeouts in a single season on Oct 4, 2015.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is out at first against the tag of Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw in the third inning in Game 1 of the 2015 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 9, 2015.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw talks on the dugout telephone during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium on May 16, 2016.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and daughter Cali Ann Kershaw stand on the field during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at PETCO Park on July 11, 2016, in San Diego.
(Denis Poroy, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts in the dugout after being pulled in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals during Game 4 of the 2016 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammate Carlos Ruiz after winning Game 5 of the 2016 NLDS over the Washington Nationals 4-3 at Nationals Park on Oct. 13, 2016, in Washington.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks at third base in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during Game 6 of the 2016 NLCS at Wrigley Field on Oct. 22, 2016, in Chicago.
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws his 2,000th career strikeout during the third inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 2, 2017, in Milwaukee.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)

National League All-Star Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers holds his daughter Cali Ann Kershaw during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Marlins Park on July 10, 2017, in Miami.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers takes the field before the first inning against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 24, 2017, in Los Angeles.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts as he exits the game during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros in Game 5 of the 2017 World Series at Minute Maid Park on Oct. 29, 2017, in Houston.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)

Manny Machado, Matt Kemp, Alex Verdugo, Clayton Kershaw and Chase Utley of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate while waiting for Chris Taylor at home plate after Taylor's walk-off home run against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 18, 2018, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates with teammates after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 7 of the 2018 NLCS at Miller Park on Oct. 20, 2018.
(Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws a pitch in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park in Boston on Oct. 23, 2018.

(Charles Krupa, USA TODAY Sports)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after allowing a sixth-inning home run to Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox in Game 5 of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 28, 2018 in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and teammates celebrate in the clubhouse after defeating the Baltimore Orioles and clinching the NL West at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sept. 10, 2019, in Baltimore.

(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts in the dugout during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the 2019 NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 9, 2019.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares to pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in Game 5 of the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field on Oct. 25, 2020, in Arlington, Texas.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with the World Series trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in Game 6 to win the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field on Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas.
(Tom Pennington, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw holds his son Cooper Kershaw and the Commissioner's Trophy after the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays to win the World Series in Game 6 at Globe Life Field on Oct. 27, 2020.
(Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after receiving his World Series championship ring during the 2020 World Series ceremony against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on April 9, 2021.
(Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw shakes hands with President Joe Biden during a celebration of the team's 2020 World Series championship in the East Room of the White House on July 2, 2021, in Washington.
(Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the first inning during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022, in Los Angeles.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)

From left to right: Joey Gallo, Craig Kimbrel, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose together in the locker room after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sept. 13, 2022, to win the NL West.

(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after making the third out against the New York Mets in the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on April 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. Kershaw recorded his 200th career win in the victory.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after giving up a home run to Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during Game 1 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and his family celebrate after the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 30, 2024, in New York.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with the Commissioner's Trophy during the 2024 World Series celebration at Dodger Stadium on Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers after receiving his 2024 World Series championship ring at Dodger Stadium on March 28, 2025, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw as Trump hosts the 2024 World Series champions in the East Room of the White House on April 7, 2025, in Washington.
(Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after striking out Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning to record his 3,000th career strikeout, at Dodger Stadium on July 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.

(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw and Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers embrace after Kershaw was removed from the game during the second inning of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025, in Atlanta.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers smiles in the dugout prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Aug. 2, 2025, in Tampa, Florida.
(Kelly Gavin, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrate their 10-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Sept. 14, 2025.
(D. Ross Cameron, D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images)

SP: Justin Verlander (2005-present)

Detroit Tigers (2005-2017), Houston Astros (2017-2024), New York Mets (2023), San Francisco Giants (2025)

Three Cy Young awards – 2011, 2019 and 2022
2011 American League MVP
266 wins
3,553 strikeouts – eighth all time
Two World Series titles – 2017 and 2022
Nine-time All-Star

SP: Max Scherzer (2008-present)

Arizona Diamondbacks (2008-2009), Detroit Tigers (2010-2014), Washington Nationals (2015-2021), Los Angeles Dodgers (2021), New York Mets (2022), Texas Rangers (2023-2024), Toronto Blue Jays (2025)

Three Cy Young awards – 2013, 2016 and 2017
221 wins
3,489 strikeouts – 11th all time
Two World Series titles – 2019 and 2023
Eight-time All-Star

SP: Zack Greinke (2004-2023)

Kansas City Royals (2004-2010, 2022-2023), Milwaukee Brewers (2011-2012), Los Angeles Angels (2012), Los Angeles Dodgers (2013-2015), Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-2019), Houston Astros (2019-2021)

2009 American League Cy Young
225 wins
Six-time All-Star

SP: CC Sabathia (2011-2019)

Cleveland (2001-2008), Milwaukee Brewers (2008), New York Yankees (2009-2019)

Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame (2025)
2007 American League Cy Young
251 wins
Six-time All-Star
2009 World Series title

Closer: Mariano Rivera (1995-2013)

New York Yankees (1995-2013)

Stats from 2000-2013

Two World Series titles – 2000 and 2009
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame (2019)
523 saves
2.05 ERA in 849 games
0.86 ERA in 65 postseason games with 29 saves
11-time All-Star
MLB's all-time saves leader with 622

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB All Quarter-Century Team features Hall of Famers, 2025 stars

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Catcher: Yadier Molina (2004-2022)

First base: Albert Pujols (2001-2022)

Second base: Jose Altuve (2011-present)

Third base: Miguel Cabrera (2003-2023)

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Top 25 MLB players from 2000-2025 ranked by Wins Above Replacement

Shortstop: Derek Jeter (1995-2014)

Outfield: Mike Trout (2011-present)

Outfield: Aaron Judge (2016-present)

Outfield: Mookie Betts (2014-present)

Designated hitter: David Ortiz (1997-2016)

Starting pitcher: Clayton Kershaw (2008-2025)

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner

Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner