Early Ballot For The 2019 MLB All-Star Game

MLB All-Star ballots are open, and millions of votes will be cast over the next few weeks. Multiple players from each position will move on to The Starters Election under the new format, but which players are most deserving of your vote during the Primary round?

 

American League

 

1B: Carlos Santana, Indians

Back in Cleveland after a year in Philadelphia, Carlos Santana is playing better than any player at his position in the American League. Santana’s .922 OPS leads all AL first basemen, and he’s been a real bright spot for an offense that’s struggled overall this season.

 

2B: Tommy La Stella, Angels

Jose Altuve has dealt with some injury issues, but he’ll probably work his way into The Starters Election and could be starting in the All-Star Game on June 9. But for now, the Angels’ Tommy La Stella is hitting .307 with 12 homers and 34 RBI; he deserves the nod.

 

3B: Alex Bregman, Astros

Rafael Devers is hitting .325 and should get All-Star consideration, but Alex Bregman has smashed 17 home runs with a respectable .270 average while playing great defense for the Astros.

 

SS: Jorge Polanco, Twins

This might be the most difficult position to pick, as there are several AL shortstops that have a strong case to make The Starters Election. Jorge Polanco (hitting .335) gets the slight edge over Tim Anderson for me because he plays on a better team.

 

C: Gary Sanchez, Yankees

Gary Sanchez has 17 home runs, which is impressive enough at this point in the season, but they’ve come in just 37 games. Sanchez’s play has been a big reason the Yankees have overcome early-season injury issues to get atop the AL East.

 

OF: Michael Brantley, Astros

Michael Brantley is pushing for the batting title in the American League with a .330 average, and he doesn’t strike out much. One of the best pure hitters in baseball this season has a fine case to be an All-Star starter.

 

OF: Mike Trout, Angels

It would be a major surprise if Mike Trout isn’t named an All-Star starter, as he’s an extremely popular player that effects the game more than anyone in baseball.

 

OF: Austin Meadows, Rays

George Springer was one of the most difficult players to leave off this ballot, but Austin Meadows is hitting .360 with a 1.127 OPS. Meadows is on a good Rays team, but he doesn’t get as much protection in his lineup as Springer does in Houston.

 

DH: Hunter Pence, Rangers

Boston’s J.D. Martinez might work his way into the DH spot for the American League, but Texas’ Hunter Pence should be the guy as things stand. They both have 11 homers this season, but Pence has a higher average (.304), OPS (.993), and more RBI (39).

 

 

National League

 

1B: Josh Bell, Pirates

First base in the National League is stacked with options like Freddie Freeman, Rhys Hoskins, and Anthony Rizzo, but Josh Bell should obviously be the choice. Bell isn’t getting enough recognition for his monster start to the season: .345 average, 18 homers, 51 RBI, and a 1.128 OPS.

 

2B: Cesar Hernandez, Phillies

Cesar Hernandez has had some uncharacteristic struggles defensively this season, but he’s hitting .305 and getting on base for a first-place Phillies team. Ketel Marte and Mike Mosutakas are also currently in the mix for the NL starter at second.

 

3B: Nolan Arenado, Rockies

There are excellent third basemen in the National League, but it’s going to be tough to unseat Nolan Arenado as the All-Star Game starter at the position. Arenado is hitting .333 with 15 home runs and 46 RBI.

 

SS: Javier Baez, Cubs

Cubs shortstop Javier Baez has gotten better each of the past few seasons, and he looks to have taken another step forward in 2019. Baez is hitting .307 and is on pace for nearly 40 bombs this year.

 

C: J.T. Realmuto, Phillies

Looking at the offensive numbers, Cubs catcher Willson Contreras should be the NL’s starting catcher. But if you take defense and base running into account, J.T. Realmuto is an easy choice.

 

OF: Christian Yelich, Brewers

The National League outfield has two very easy choices, and one of them is reigning NL MVP Christian Yelich. The Brewers star has gotten even better this season, already smashing 21 home runs in 49 games.

 

OF: Cody Bellinger, Dodgers

The other easy choice is Cody Bellinger, who is hitting .378 with 20 home runs, 52 RBI, 50 runs, and seven stolen bases.

 

OF: Charlie Blackmon, Dodgers

Charlie Blackmon landed on the Injured List with a strained calf, so someone like Juan Soto or Bryce Harper could work their way into the NL outfield spot that’ll be up for grabs after Yelich and Bellinger. Blackmon is hitting .300 with ten home runs.