2019 MLB All-Star Game Reserve Picks

Led by Angels star Mike Trout being named to the team for an eighth consecutive season, the 2019 MLB All-Star starters have been announced. There are many players around baseball that should be in the mix for a reserve spot for the Midsummer Classic, but these are my picks.

 

American League

 

C: James McCann, White Sox

Despite playing just 55 games this season, James McCann deserves strong consideration for an AL All-Star spot. He’s hitting .328, which is rare for a catcher.

 

C: Omar Narvaez, Mariners

With Jay Bruce and Edwin Encarnacion gone, Omar Narvaez is the best option to represent the Mariners at the 2019 All-Star Game. But Narvaez is having an All-Star-worthy season, with 11 home runs and a .292 average.

 

1B: Luke Voit, Yankees

The Yankees have been without Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton for much of the year, but 28-year-old Luke Voit has been a steady presence in the middle of their lineup, helping the franchise set the MLB record for most consecutive games with a home run. Voit, with 17 homers of his own this season, should be named to his first All-Star team.

 

2B: Tommy La Stella, Angels

The Starters Election did not go Tommy La Stella’s way, but there’s no question he should be named an American League reserve. The former Cub is hitting .295 with 16 home runs for the Angels this season.

 

2B: Whit Merrifield, Royals

Last season’s American League hit leader should get his first MLB All-Star nod this season, as he’s hitting .303 and should be named as a representative for the Royals.

 

SS: Francisco Lindor, Indians

Francisco Lindor’s all-around game (.298 average, 12 home runs, and 12 stolen bases) should help him be selection to another American League All-Star team.

 

SS: Tim Anderson, White Sox

There are many other worthy options at shortstop and around the diamond for the AL, but Tim Anderson (.317 average, 11 home runs, 15 steals) has been one of the best hitters in the majors this season.

 

3B: Matt Chapman, Athletics

After breaking out for 24 home runs last season, A’s third baseman Matt Chapman already has 19 this season. He’s the choice to represent Oakland in the Midsummer Classic. Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers was one of the toughest players to leave off the roster.

 

OF: Eddie Rosario, Twins

With 20 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 51 runs scored, Eddie Rosario has been an important member of a Twins team that’s lit up the scoreboard in 2019. Rosario has raised his average 20 points to .282 the last ten days, which was the late push he needed.

 

OF: Trey Mancini, Orioles

One player from each team must make the MLB All-Star Game, which helps Trey Mancini of the Orioles as a near lock to be selected. However, he’s deserving, with a .298 average and 17 homers.

 

DH: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox

Hunter Pence was the right choice as the American League starter at DH, but J.D. Martinez is having another solid season. Boston’s designated hitter is hitting .287 with 17 home runs.

 

 

National League

 

C: J.T. Realmuto, Phillies

Hector Neris and Rhys Hoskins might be in the mix, but J.T. Realmuto is arguably the Phillies’ best choice to represent them in the All-Star Game. The former Marlin isn’t having a huge season at the plate, but he’s the best defensive catcher in the game.

 

C: Yasmani Grandal, Brewers

With 18 home runs already this season, Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal is on pace for a career-high, and he’s also hitting a career-high .266.

 

1B: Josh Bell, Pirates

The Pirates don’t have a stacked lineup around him, but Josh Bell is doing a ton of damage this season. He’s having a monstrous campaign, with a .311 average, 22 home runs, 70 RBIs (six more than any player in the majors), and 61 runs scored.

 

1B: Pete Alonso, Mets

Set to challenge Aaron Judge’s single-season rookie home run record of 52, Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has 27 bombs this year. He’s already broken the Mets’ franchise record for homers by a rookie.

 

2B: Mike Moustakas, Brewers

A two-time American League All-Star for the Royals, Mike Moustakas should now make the National League team this year. Moustakas is arguably having his best season to date, with 23 home runs and a .279 average. Also, he has the versatility to play either second or third in a heavily-subbed game.

 

SS: Trevor Story, Rockies

Behind only Cody Bellinger in runs scored this season, Trevor Story easily could’ve been named the starting shortstop for the National League. He’s a lock to be a reserve.

 

3B: Kris Bryant, Cubs

After missing the last two All-Star games, former Cubs MVP Kris Bryant is a good bet to be named to the National League team for the third time.

 

3B: Anthony Rendon, Nationals

Anthony Rendon has missed some time this season, but he still has 17 home runs (on pace for a career high) to go along with his .307 average. Rendon is one of the most consistent players in baseball.

 

OF: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies

The outfield for the National League is stacked, especially with Christian Yelich and Cody Bellinger taking up two of the starting spots. Charlie Blackmon easily could’ve been named a starter alongside them, and he’ll certainly be named a reserve.

 

OF: Jeff McNeil, Mets

He has just six home runs this season, but Jeff McNeil—hitting .346—simply rakes at the plate. Good things happen when you put the ball in play, and McNeil squares balls up and doesn’t strike out much.

 

OF: Juan Soto, Nationals

Like his teammate Anthony Rendon, Juan Soto is proving to be a very consistent player that looks like he’ll be hovering around the .290-.300+ mark for most of his career. He’s hitting .301 with 13 homers in 2019.

 

OF: Marcell Ozuna, Cardinals

I was going to go with another infielder and pick Manny Machado for third base, but a player from each team must be represented (Kirby Yates should be selected as a pitcher for the Padres), and Marcell Ozuna is the best option for the Cardinals. The .260 average for Ozuna isn’t ideal, but he has 20 homers with 62 RBIs and 52 runs scored along with a respectable eight stolen bases.