July is just around the corner, which means it’s prime time for MLB clubs to campaign for their top players to be selected as All-Stars. With the Midsummer Classic only three weeks away, MLB announced an All-Star voting update on Monday, helping to clarify which players are in position to earn invites to Atlanta as starters via the fan vote and which will have to hope to be added by the commissioner’s office as alternates.
This week’s power rankings surveys the All-Star landscape for all 30 teams, from the contenders preparing to send several representatives to Atlanta to those at the bottom of the standings, who are likely to send just one. Let’s get into it.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (51-31)
It’s no surprise that the defending champs have fared well in the fan voting. Virtually every Dodgers starter has racked up a ton of votes, with Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith likeliest to be voted in as starters at their respective positions.
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Mookie Betts isn’t too far behind Francisco Lindor in shortstop voting, but it’s worth noting that Betts might not make the cut statistically as an alternate. For as impressive as his shortstop defense has been, Betts’ 106 wRC+ ranks sixth among NL shortstops, so there’s no guarantee he’ll be invited to what would be his ninth consecutive All-Star Game.
Also compelling is whether Teoscar Hernandez gets voted in as a starter in the NL outfield for the second year in a row (he’s second in the latest update) because like Betts, his All-Star case is borderline otherwise. On the mound, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a lock to be included, but he’ll probably be the lone Dodgers hurler in Atlanta (not counting Ohtani, of course).
2. Philadelphia Phillies (47-34)
Despite Philadelphia’s place atop the NL East standings, no Phillies position player appears likely to be voted in as a starter, just one year after Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm and Trea Turner all started for the NL.
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This season, Kyle Schwarber is by far the best bet among Phillies bats to be an All-Star, even if he isn’t starting at DH over Ohtani. Turner would be a solid choice to join Schwarber, but if that doesn’t happen, Schwarber can be sure to have at least a couple of pitcher teammates joining him, with Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez both deserving and Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez having real cases as well.
3. Detroit Tigers (51-31)
Gleyber Torres has emerged as the leading vote-getter among AL second baseman, and that’s not strictly reflective of the Tigers fan base showing up for their favorite players in the polls: Torres has been a terrific hitter this year and is well-deserving of making his first All-Star appearance since 2019.
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Riley Greene and Javier Baez have both felt the love from the Tigers faithful as well, with Greene’s power surge in his age-24 season certainly warranting an invite and Baez’s remarkable renaissance representing one of the best stories across MLB this season. Spencer Torkelson has cooled off and might no longer be All-Star-worthy, but he could be a very fun Home Run Derby invite. And yes, Tarik Skubal will obviously be an All-Star, but he might be the only Detroit arm headed to Atlanta.
4. New York Yankees (46-34)
It’s the annual question: Who will join Aaron Judge at the All-Star Game? Paul Goldschmidt isn’t far behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in AL first-base voting, but he has been ice-cold in June (.532 OPS). Cody Bellinger, Ben Rice and Trent Grisham are all having nice years, though none feels like a slam-dunk All-Star. Judge is far more likely to be joined in Atlanta by former Brave Max Fried and another lefty in Carlos Rodón, who is enjoying his best year yet in the Bronx.
5. New York Mets (48-34)
Don’t overlook the significance of Francisco Lindor likely being voted in as the starting shortstop for the NL, as Lindor was one of the biggest All-Star snubs last year and has somehow never been an All-Star as a Met. Pete Alonso will surely join him in Atlanta, even if Freeman is voted in as the 1B starter.
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What about Juan Soto? The $765 million man has heated up recently, but he faces stiff competition in the NL outfield and has fallen behind in the voting, so a starting spot is far from guaranteed. He still seems likely to be added, but it’s less obvious than you’d expect. As for the arms, Kodai Senga and Edwin Diaz look like safe bets, but there are a lot of low ERAs to choose from on this staff.
6. Chicago Cubs (48-33)
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s electric breakout has been one of the biggest stories in baseball in the first half, and his humongous lead atop NL outfield voting emphatically reflects that. We’ll see if Kyle Tucker can secure enough votes to join PCA as a starter in the outfield, but Tucker will surely be an All-Star in some form. And considering how good this offense has been, it feels like the Cubs’ lineup deserves more than just two All-Stars; Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki would both be deserving inclusions as alternates.
7. San Francisco Giants (44-37)
Rafael Devers would’ve clearly been the AL starter at DH before the industry-rattling trade that sent him west, but now he’s stuck behind Ohtani in NL DH fan voting. He should still be an All-Star, of course. Matt Chapman will have a solid case as an alternate at third base, but it’s clear the Giants’ strongest All-Star representation will come on the mound, where ace Logan Webb is a lock, Robbie Ray is a sleeper, and multiple relievers (Camilo Doval, Tyler Rogers, Randy Rodriguez) could get invites as well.
8. Houston Astros (48-33)
Barring a late surge in the fan vote, it doesn’t look like Jose Altuve is going to get his 10th career All-Star nod, as his offensive numbers have fallen off a fair bit in his age-35 season. Instead, it should be Jeremy Peña’s first All-Star invite. He projects to be one of the more obvious AL alternates, with Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez in great shape to join him and Isaac Paredes in the mix as well.
9. San Diego Padres (44-36)
Manny Machado is primed to reclaim the starting 3B spot for the NL after not making the All-Star Game the past two years. Surprisingly, injuries for Jackson Merrill and a recent slump for Fernando Tatis Jr., plus an ultra-crowded NL outfield picture, mean it’s far from certain that Machado will have any teammates joining him in Atlanta, but Tatis should still be in the mix as an alternate. Reliever Jason Adam is arguably San Diego’s best chance to send an arm to the All-Star Game.
10. Milwaukee Brewers (45-36)
A year after having two All-Star starters in William Contreras and Christian Yelich, Milwaukee’s All-Star picture is a lot cloudier this time around. Yelich looks more likely to repeat as an All-Star than Contreras, but Freddy Peralta is a more convincing candidate than either hitter. Another interesting dark horse: Rhys Hoskins, who has looked much more comfortable in his second year as a Brewer and has never been an All-Star, despite his gaudy career homer total.
Jose Ramirez, Francisco Lindor, Cal Raleigh, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Manny Machado are sure to be representing their teams next month in Atlanta. (Mallory Bielecki/Yahoo Sports)
(Mallory Bielecki/Yahoo Sports)
11. Tampa Bay Rays (46-35)
Jonathan Aranda was a popular breakout pick entering the season, and he has blasted beyond even the most optimistic of expectations: His 160 wRC+ ranks sixth among qualified hitters. He’s comfortably Tampa Bay’s most deserving All-Star candidate, with 21-year-old slugger Junior Caminero and right-handed starter Drew Rasmussen in the mix to head to Atlanta as well.
12. Seattle Mariners (41-39)
Cal Raleigh’s sensational season will soon earn him the starting catching spot for the AL in what will be his first All-Star game, and the Big Dumper announced Friday that he’ll compete in the Home Run Derby. Beyond the no-doubter in Raleigh, shortstop J.P. Crawford (.407 OBP!) is making a case to be a first-time All-Star, as is right-hander Bryan Woo, who has been the Mariners’ most dependable starter.
13. Toronto Blue Jays (43-37)
If Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can fend off Goldschmidt in the final stretch of fan voting, he’ll be the AL starter at first base for the fourth time in five years. Alejandro Kirk has a strong case as the second-best backstop in the AL behind Raleigh, and a resurgent George Springer is at least on the periphery of the All-Star discussion among AL outfielders.
14. St. Louis Cardinals (44-38)
It’s too bad Ivan Herrera has been beset by multiple injuries this season because he feels like the biggest breakout on this Cardinals roster and would warrant serious All-Star consideration if he’d racked up more plate appearances. Instead, it looks like Brendan Donovan will earn his first career All-Star nod, as the 28-year-old known for his defensive versatility is enjoying his best season yet at the plate (.308/.377/.429).
15. Cleveland Guardians (40-39)
José Ramírez is on track to start at third base for the AL for the fourth time, marking his seventh All-Star appearance. It doesn’t look likely that Steven Kwan will start in the outfield for the AL again, but he remains a viable candidate to be added as an alternate. Among the Cleveland arms, Cade Smith (53 strikeouts in 34 ⅓ IP) is a far more compelling option than closer Emmanuel Clase at this stage.
16. Boston Red Sox (40-42)
With Devers gone and Alex Bregman still injured, the only surefire All-Star for Boston is ace Garrett Crochet, who has been exactly what the team envisioned when they acquired and extended him last offseason. Bregman could make the team as a deserving alternate if he gets back on the field in time, but the other two names to keep an eye on are closer Aroldis Chapman (1.41 ERA in 32 IP with 45 strikeouts, 14 saves, career-low 7.4% walk rate) and rookie backstop Carlos Narvaez (2.4 fWAR is fourth among catchers).
17. Cincinnati Reds (42-39)
Elly De La Cruz hasn’t quite taken the leap many hoped he would in his third season, but with 18 homers and 21 steals, he’s still a strong All-Star pick. In a less crowded NL outfield, TJ Friedl would probably have a better chance to be a first-time All-Star, as would Austin Hays if he hadn’t missed so much time due to injury. Like Senga, Andrew Abbott doesn’t have as many innings (73 ⅔) as the other leading candidates on the mound across the league, but his 1.79 ERA is awfully difficult to ignore.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks (41-39)
Ketel Marte is deservingly on track to be voted in as the NL starter at second base for the third time, and he should have company this year after being the lone Snakes rep at last year’s All-Star Game. Eugenio Suarez and Corbin Carroll have both been excellent and deserve to go (though Carroll’s wrist fracture could prevent that from happening), and Geraldo Perdomo and Josh Naylor have reasonable cases as well. Heck, if Pavin Smith were in the AL, he might even have a chance at DH.
19. Texas Rangers (40-41)
The disappointing Texas lineup is unlikely to send anyone to the All-Star Game (although Wyatt Langford would be a treat to watch in the Home Run Derby), but the rotation could — and arguably should — send multiple pitchers. Tyler Mahle could earn his first All-Star nod, Nathan Eovaldi his third and, of course, Jacob deGrom is finally healthy and the most deserving of anyone on this staff.
20. Kansas City Royals (38-43)
Bobby Witt Jr. has taken a step back offensively from the absurd levels he reached last season, yet he has still been one of the most valuable players in the sport, and will be back in the All-Star Game. Maikel Garcia has quietly been even more productive than Witt at the plate and could factor into the AL infield picture as a reserve. Left-hander Kris Bubic is the most deserving All-Star among several viable candidates in the Kansas City rotation.
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21. Atlanta Braves (37-43)
The hosts have had a hugely disappointing first half collectively, but the fans at Truist Park can still look forward to seeing a few of their favorite stars at the All-Star festivities. Ronald Acuña Jr. didn’t play his first game of the season until May 23 but has been so spectacular since rejoining the Braves’ lineup that he has surged all the way into the mix to start in the NL outfield, and he’ll be the hometown favorite in the Home Run Derby. Spencer Schwellenbach has been an anchor atop the rotation and deserves his first All-Star nod, and Chris Sale could get his ninth invite, though a fractured rib will keep him from participating.
22. Los Angeles Angels (40-40)
Mike Trout’s batting average isn’t pretty, but his underlying metrics are still immaculate, and he might just garner enough fan votes to snag the third starting AL outfield spot alongside Judge and Greene for what would be his seventh All-Star start. If not Trout, then shortstop Zach Neto looks to have the most complete All-Star case. Starting pitchers Jose Soriano’s and Yusei Kikuchi’s stellar ERAs could also have them in the mix, despite a boatload of walks.
23. Minnesota Twins (39-42)
The epitome of an All-Star-caliber talent when he’s rolling, Byron Buxton has only once been healthy enough at the right time to be invited to the Midsummer Classic, in 2022. He should get his second All-Star nod this summer as by far the best bat in an otherwise moribund Minnesota lineup. Right-hander Joe Ryan is within striking distance of consideration as well, though the AL pitching field is quite crowded.
24. Baltimore Orioles (34-46)
Ryan O’Hearn is the ultimate benefactor of Devers’ surprising move to the NL, as the 31-year-old slugger is now in pole position to be voted in as the starting DH in the American League, a spot owned by Yordan Alvarez and Shohei Ohtani over the past four years. It might have taken a fortunate sequence of events to land O’Hearn the starting gig, but he’d be Baltimore’s best All-Star candidate regardless; his 149 wRC+ ranks 14th among qualified hitters.
25. Athletics (33-50)
On one hand, it feels like Jacob Wilson’s unbelievable rookie season still isn’t being talked about enough. That said, the fact that he is leading Witt in the fan voting to start at shortstop for the AL suggests that there are enough ball-knowers out there who recognize how remarkable the 23-year-old Athletics star has been, even if he’s playing his home games in a minor-league park.
26. Washington Nationals (33-48)
The Juan Soto trade already yielded one All-Star in shortstop CJ Abrams last year, and two more should join him this summer in super-slugger James Wood and lefty strikeout artist MacKenzie Gore. That the Nationals have this tremendous trio playing at this level and are still near the bottom of these power rankings is one of the biggest roster-construction letdowns across the league.
27. Pittsburgh Pirates (32-50)
If there was any sentiment that Paul Skenes starting the All-Star Game for the National League as a rookie last year was the product of the hype surrounding his arrival more than what he had already accomplished in his brief big-league tenure, this season has left zero doubt: Skenes really is this good, and he’s going to be the annual leading contender to start the Midsummer Classic for the foreseeable future. We are all witnesses.
28. Miami Marlins (34-45)
There aren’t a ton of statistical standouts to choose from on this ultra-young Miami squad, but the two leading contenders to be the Marlins’ lone All-Star representative are outfielder Kyle Stowers and right-hander Edward Cabrera. Stowers has blossomed into an every-day bat this season after struggling in his initial stint with the club following his trade from Baltimore. Cabrera’s explosive stuff has tantalized for years, and now he’s finally finding some consistency: After a rough April (7.23 ERA), he has posted a 2.23 ERA over his past eight starts.
29. Chicago White Sox (26-55)
Rule 5 pick and surprise rotation standout Shane Smith has scuffled lately, so his All-Star bid might be in jeopardy, but it’s not like there are a ton of other options to choose from on this roster. Among the hitters, Miguel Vargas clearly has the best case; he has hit .279/.351/.522 with 10 homers over his past 54 games after initially looking like a complete bust of an acquisition since coming over from the Dodgers in a deadline trade last summer.
30. Colorado Rockies (18-63)
It’s practically tradition for the worst team to send one anonymous reliever as their lone All-Star rep, and Jake Bird (2.06 ERA in 43 ⅔ IP with 56 strikeouts) would absolutely fit the bill for this historically terrible Colorado club. But keep an eye on Hunter Goodman, who has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball this season and is a ton of fun to watch swing the bat. And before you scream “COORS!”, note that he has remarkably been much better on the road (.925 OPS) than at home (.750), including hitting 11 of his 14 homers away from Coors.
