As the temperatures outside begin to rise, we all know that the heart of summer is almost here. Along with it, of course, comes the summer classic.
In just over a month, Petco Park in San Diego will host Major League Baseball’s annual All-Star game. Fans have already started voting, so there’s bound to be some discussion about who should or shouldn’t be selected for the starting lineup.
Last season, the biggest controversy concerned the number of Kansas City Royals who led in votes through the final day. The AL champions ended up having four of the starting eight in the lineup, which will likely be the case this year as well.
The National League roster, however, should feature some new names. Young players have been in the National League headlines since the start of the season, starting with rookie shortstop Trevor Story homering in his first seven games with the Colorado Rockies. Nearly every city has seen strong rookie starts, such as shortstop Aledmys Diaz in St. Louis, outfielder Adam Duvall in Cincinnati and shortstop Corey Seager in Los Angeles.
Several of these players have performed well enough to earn starting spots in the All-Star roster, but their lack of experience may not earn them enough fan votes. Here are the eight position players who deserve to start in the National League based on their performances in the first two months of the season.
First baseman Brandon Belt
Two veterans, Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt and Cincinnati’s Joey Votto, are having off years, and the Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo is hitting under .240. Belt’s .300 batting average has made him the most consistent first baseman, and is one of the main reasons the San Francisco Giants are currently atop the NL West.
Second Base, Daniel Murphy
New York’s Neil Walker has been a pleasant power surprise, and Pittsburgh’s Josh Harrison has hit over .300 as has Chicago’s Ben Zobrist. Murphy, however, has hit nearly .400 in his first year with the Washington Nationals.
Shortstop, Aledmyz Diaz
The hot start of Cincinnati’s Zach Cozart has made him a candidate for comeback player of the year, Milwaukee’s Jonathan Villar has hit over .300 as a leadoff hitter and Corey Seager is among the power leaders. Aledmyz Díaz, however, is hitting .321 and has provided the Cards with a star replacement for the injured Jhonny Perralta.
Third Base, Nolan Arenado
The league leader in home runs has anchored the Colorado Rockies’ offense, as they have out-homed even Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs. Philadelphia’s Mikael Franco and St. Louis’ Matt Carpenter also deserve consideration.
Outfielders, Ryan Braun, Christian Yellich and Starling Marte
Braun is having an incredible season for the Brewers, ranking among the league leaders in home runs and a .341 batting average. Just below him in the batting title race are Miami’s Christian Yellich and Pittsburgh’s Starling Marte. Chicago’s Dexter Fowler, Cincinnati rookie Adam Duvall and New York’s Yoenis Céspides also deserve consideration.
Receiver, Jonathan Lucroy
His .304 batting average and double-digit home run power aren’t as surprising as the fact that Lucroy is still with the Milwaukee Brewers after a winter filled with all kinds of trade rumors.