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MLB All Star Game: Should Each Team Have a Representative in the Game?

By Justin Koonce

Jun 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Adam Duvall (23) celebrates with catcher Ramon Cabrera (37) after scoring a run during the eleventh inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Adam Duvall (23) celebrates with catcher Ramon Cabrera (37) after scoring a run during the eleventh inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The MLB All Star Game is right around the corner, and there are debates over how the rosters are constructed. The question is, should each team get a representative in the big game?

The All-Star fan voting results were released last night, and the system continues to be in question. I’m sure fans all over America shuddered to see Addison Russell starting over the likes of Corey Seager, Brandon Crawford, and Trevor Story. Under the current rules, every team in baseball has to have at least one player in the game. This rule can cause some controversy, because occasionally deserving players are left sitting at home while inferior players make the roster.

There are two trains of thought in regard to this rule. First, there are those who believe the rule should stay as it is. Their point is that the game is for the fans, and fans of every team should have someone to cheer for. The opposite side wants the rule to be abolished. They believe that the game should feature the best players, no matter what team they come from. Both points of view are logical, and they both have their pros and cons.

I believe the rule should be removed. If the game was only an exhibition, similar to the NBA All Star Game, this wouldn’t be an issue. However, the MLB All Star Game is the deciding factor for who gets home-field advantage in the World Series. This game has serious implications on the outcome of the Fall Classic. Since 2003, when the home-field advantage rule was created, the team with the advantage has gone 9-4(.692) in series wins. So this is a big deal.

That rule in itself is debated quite frequently, but that rule is staying so we won’t worry about it. The thing is, if the game has playoff implications, the very best players should be out there, no matter what team they play for. If I was a player who was selected only because there was no one else on my team, I would feel like I was cheating the system.

For example, Eduardo Nunez was selected as the Minnesota Twins’ representative this season. Now, he’s had an impressive season so far, but his presence prevents youngster Carlos Correa from getting his shot in the game. It’s understood that putting Nunez in the game is good for the Twins’ fanbase, but fans of the game would rather see Correa.

On the NL side of things, Reds outfielder Adam Duvall was selected so they would have a representative. Duvall is in the midst of a sudden power surge, as he’s hit a career high 22 home runs so far this season. That deserves recognition. However, he’s only batting .255 with a .291 OBP, including an atrocious 27.4% strikeout rate. He has been a valuable player for Cincinnati this season, but he ranks 12th out of all NL outfielders in WAR this season. Gregory Polanco, who is having a great season and ranks 3rd in NL outfielders WAR, will not take part in the game. Number 7 on that list, Starling Marte, is in the hands of the “Final Vote”, and he likely will not win.

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The point is, the rule is letting undeserving players into the game while some of the best sit at home. The game should be about which players are the best, not which team they represent or how popular they are. Changes are needed to ensure the best players are out there, and that starts with removing this rule.

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