MLB All-Star Game Rosters || Are they what they should be? || Icee's Corner

Edition #110

Intro:

All-Star Weekend is around the corner, as lineups were just announced. The baseball world was just wondering if the lineups were what they should be. Let’s look at it all, with me, Icee.

MLB All-Star Game:

AL Lineup:

C: Adley Rutschman (BAL)
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)
2B: Jose Altuve (HOU)
3B: José Ramírez (CLE)
SS: Gunnar Henderson (BAL)
OF: Aaron Judge (NYY)
OF: Steven Kwan (CLE)
OF: Juan Soto (NYY)
DH: Yordan Alvarez (HOU)

This AL lineup is good, but not perfect. Adley Rutschman is the first Orioles catcher in the All-Stars since 1987, with a projection of 29 HRs to end 2024. He currently has 16, so a good number to start with. Rutschman is also a good catcher in the defensive side of things. Vladdy is a decent hitter with 13 HRs so far, currently his 2nd career-low. With his incredible power hitting, why do you think he won’t be in the All-Star Game? He’s also recovering from a slow start to the season.

Then we have veteran Jose Altuve at 2nd base. It’s his 9th selection in the Midsummer Classic and his 6th selection as starter. It will be a Houston Astros record. He’s known for being a fast runner and a speedy second baseman. Following him, we see Jose Ramirez. A solid 23 HRs so far, which is a great number to have entering the break. He also has recorded a triple this season, which is impressive as you don't see many of those in the MLB anymore.

An even better player than Ramirez is starting shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who has hit 27 HRs and 5 triples, an unbelievable statline for the first half. He’s also a young, improving player that can one day, lead the Orioles to a World Series title. He is followed by current MLB HR, RBI, SLG, and OPS leader, Aaron Judge. He was the top-vote getter in Phase 1, so he clinched his spot in the ASG early. He is a dominant hitter with 32 HRs and a triple. However, his Yankees are currently falling apart (Maybe I’ll talk about that in another post…)

LF Steven Kwan is a hitter who leads in batting average. If he's doing the now, imagine what he can do as he continues into his prime. Juan Soto is good at discipline and hitting. Soto has seen 76 ball 4’s and has hit 21 HRs. Useful for getting runners on base. Lastly in the AL, we have Yordan Alverez, a good DH. He has many HRs as well.

NL Lineup:

C: William Contreras (MIL)
1B: Bryce Harper (PHI)
2B: Ketel Marte (AZ)
3B: Alec Bohm (PHI)
SS: Trea Turner (PHI)
OF: Jurickson Profar (SD)
OF: Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD)
OF: Christian Yelich (MIL)
DH: Shohei Ohtani (LAD)

In my opinion, this is the better lineup. We start with Brewers catcher William Contreras, as he is following the steps of his older brother, Wilson. Wilson went to the ASG back in 2018, 2019, and 2022. One downside of William. He’s only hit 10 HRs and he struck out 72 times. You could argue that Will Smith deserves the starting role. Bryce Harper is coming from the current best team in baseball (Phillies) and lead the NL in votes in Phase 1.

Marte's ability to hit for power (17 HR) and find gaps in the defense (19 2B, 2 3B) makes him a threat at the plate. He has many walks as well. Bohm's standout performance in the first half includes 102 hits, along with 31 doubles. Not just that, he has 11 home runs and 70 RBIs.

Turner's performance showcases his speed and ability to get on base with 77 hits in just 223 at-bats. He also has 14 doubles. With 28 RBIs, Turner is a decent run-producer and could help life the NL to a win in the ASG. Then next, is Jurickson Profar. One important part of his game in the first half of this year, was his patience at the plate. He drew 46 walks. His one downside is 56 SOs.

Fernando Tatis Jr. probably won’t play in the ASG due to an injury to the quadriceps. He is currently placed on 10-day IL. A replacement could be announced before the game. Christian Yelich is the opposite. He just came off the IL and he has hit 3 HRs so far, looking good for a start in the ASG. Finally, the DH, Shohei Ohtani, is a hitter who is close to 30 HRs. I see him as an All-Star MVP. He has 66 RBIs, which is a useful run-driver.

Conclusion:

Yes.

Why are people arguing about those lineups? Just why? In my opinion, these lineups are great and are ready for an All-Star battle on the 16th.