The Midsummer Classic is right around the corner. In my opinion the MLB All-Star game is by far the best out of the major sports. The game doesn’t really change, its still hard to hit 100+ MPH fastballs and you get to see genuine personality out of todays stars. The first wave of voting has been released so lets get down to business and break down all of the leaders.
Catcher
National League Leader- Willson Contreras
This one makes a ton of sense. Contreras is raking this season and is one of the few bright spots for a Cubs team that is lacking these days. The backup spot could be filled a ton of ways that are inoffensive. It won’t happen, but it would be pretty cool if William Contreras could sneak in and create an All-Star brothers backstop duo for the NL.
First Basemen
National League Leader- Paul Goldschmidt
Another no brainer. Goldy has been maybe the best hitter on the planet so far this season. With a .339/.417/.614 slash line and a 195 OPS+ there is no argument here. Pete Alonso currently sits in 2nd place, he will undoubtedly make it and is very deserving as the best player on the Mets helping lead them to the best record in the NL.
Second Basemen
National League Leader- Jazz Chisholm Jr.
This is the best possible outcome for MLB. Jazz is a star and plays with an infectious energy and swag that needs to be celebrated on a national stage in order to grow the game. He is the best player on the Marlins and one of the most exciting players in all of baseball. The All-Star game needs a Jazz euro-step home run celebration. Ozzie Albies foot injury throws a wrench into the voting as the rest of the pack is a group of very solid players but no real star power.
Third Basemen
National League Leader- Manny Machado
Manny Machado has had a fascinating career path so far. He was extremely talented yet mercurial in Baltimore and his short stint in LA. He moved to San Diego and has simply mashed ever since. He is a deserving starter and still one of the best players in all of baseball. Nolan Arenado and Austin Riley trail Machado and both deserve to represent their teams as well.
Shortstop
National League Leader- Trea Turner
Turner is having himself a very nice contract year and will look to add another All-Star appearance to his resume before hitting free agency. A .310/.360/.487 line is more than enough to get him to his second All-Star game. Dansby Swanson and Francisco Lindor are neck and neck below Turner and both deserve spots on the roster as well.
Designated Hitter
National League Leader- Bryce Harper
This one is a runaway and deservedly so. Harper is having another MVP caliber year and we should all be thanking the new universal DH rule for allowing us to see it happen. If this was last year, Harper’s elbow injury would have sidelined him and we would be robbed of a full season of one of the best players of this generation. William Contreras is in a distant 2nd place yet this remains as the easiest path to get both brothers onto the team.
National League Leaders- Mookie Betts, Ronald Acuña Jr., Joc Pederson
Mookie Betts is the leading vote getter in all of the National League and every vote is deserved. Before getting dinged up he was setting Dodgers records left and right this season. With a 91st percentile whiff rate, he hits the ball hard all the time and rarely misses.
Acuña has not missed a beat since coming back from his torn ACL. He is another player that just his presence at the All-Star game is great for baseball. Let the kids play.
Joc Pederson has not missed a beat since helping the Braves win the World Series last season. He is in the 99th percentile for Avg Exit Velo, xwOBA, Max Exit Velo, Hard Hit% and xSLG%. His batted ball profile is off the charts and he has had an All-Star worthy first half.
Stay tuned for the breakdown of the American League All-Star voting leaders coming soon!
