Honorable Mentions

Yankees: Didi Gregorius, SS

It isn’t easy to replace Derek Jeter, but Didi Gregorius did a more than decent job in 2016. His .276 average was a team high, his 20 home runs were the third most on the team and his 70 RBIs were joint highest on the team. It was difficult to pick between Didi and Starlin Castro, who posted almost identical numbers offensively, but the the differentiating factor was strikeouts: Castro struck out 118 times and Gregorius only 82.

Mets: Jeurys Familia, CP

While Familia might be victimized for letting up the game-winning runs against the Giants in the wild card round, he had his best season statistically in 2016. A career high 51 saves, a .255 ERA and the fact that he only surrendered one home run all season were enough to warrant his selection as an all-star, an honor received for the first time in his career.

Knicks: Derrick Rose, PG

The Knicks new point guars signing has generated a lot of criticism during his first (and potentially last) season as a Knick. He has been called out for leaving the team unannounced (for which he was only fined, miraculously, and not suspended). He has also been criticized for his defense (opposing point guards have a field day against Rose) and his propensity to make bad decisions in the clutch (turnovers, ball hogging, bad shots, etc.)

However, it hasn’t been all bad for Rose, who was very effective before the Knicks recent collapse. He had several key shots, including a game winner against Portland and a go-ahead jumper late in the fourth against Charlotte. He also is averaging 18.0 points per game, which is his highest total since the 2011-12 season.

Rose hasn’t been as consistent or reliable as the Knicks may have wanted, but he has the ability to take over games with his scoring at times, which warrants a place in the top 25, even if it’s at the very back end.

Nets: Trevor Booker, PF

The Nets have been awful all year, but Trevor Booker has been a nice surprise. The journeyman big is second on the team in minutes and has averaged 9.9 points and 8.7 rebounds thus far this season. He also has the second highest Player Efficiency Rating among players who have featured in at least 20 games.

Giants: Justin Pugh, G

Pugh’s absence was felt in the six games the former first-rounder missed — the Giants offensive line struggled mightily to protect Eli Manning and run the football. Upon Pugh’s return, Paul Perkins got more touches and yards, and Eli was able to breathe a bit more. The Giants offensive line is the team’s weakness, but Pugh stands out as a Pro Bowl caliber guard with a bright future ahead of him.

Jets: Brandon Marshall, WR

Last season, Brandon Marshall was irresistible, racking up 109 catches and 14 touchdowns. This season, he wasn’t as prolific, and has dropped out of the top 25. Regardless, 43 catches and two touchdowns are solid stats considering the dismal state of the Jets offense. His production, despite taking a hit, has him on the list over Sheldon Richardson, Darrelle Revis, and Muhammad Wilkerson, who have really disappointed statistically this season. The fact that all four of these players, who would have probably made the top 15 last season, shows the drop off in on-field quality from Gang Green this season.

Rangers: Mats Zuccarello, RW

The Rangers leader in points is Norwegian winger Mats Zuccarello, whose 38 points, along with his 29 assists, are team highs. It is clear that offense has become the Rangers strong suit, and while the Blueshirt offense is lifted by a large ensemble cast of role players, it is Zuccarello’s production which has shined brightest.

Islanders: Josh Bailey, LW

Normally, Brock Nelson is seen as the Robin to John Tavares‘ batman, but Bailey has been terrific this season, posting a team-high 24 assists. His 31 points are only seven less than Tavares, which shows his development as a player.

Devils: Taylor Hall, LW

Like Zuccarello, Hall leads his team in points (31) and assists (20). With 11 goals, he is also one behind the team lead. The Devils needed an offensive player to break out and carry them, and so far, Hall has been the guy.

NYCFC: Jack Harrison, RW

The young Englishman, and the top pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Jack Harrison lived up to the hype in 2016. His inspired play down the right-hand side for NYCFC earned him a third place finish in the MLS Rookie of the Year vote. He scored four times in his rookie campaign, including the following beauty, which earned him runner-up in the MLS Goal of the Season vote.

Red Bulls: Luis Robles, GK

Robles was named best MLS Goalkeeper two years ago and has been a menace between the sticks for the Red Bulls two seasons running. Robles is a big reason why the Red Bulls have posted the best record in the East two seasons running and has also started every game for the Red Bulls for the past four seasons, showing his tremendous durability. This spot would have gone to Dax McCarty, but his trade to the Chicago Fire has rendered him ineligible.

Olha o golaço do menino Jack Harrison pelo New York City contra o Montreal Impact pic.twitter.com/QfDWEZHWy9

— Guia das Américas (@GuiadasAmericas) July 17, 2016