Both leagues are chocked full of great young shortstops. In no way is that clearer than the All-Star Game vote in the National League, which features two rookies and a second year player at the top of the ballot. Story is most well-known for his ridiculous start to his rookie season as he blasted 7 home runs in his first week of MLB play. However, the other two shortstops in this talk have also played incredibly well through the entire 2016 season to date.
Addison Russell currently leads the vote along with many of his Cubs teammates. Russell has been outstanding at the shortstop position this season, making both the spectacular plays as well as the routine ones. He’s hitting .236/.327/.378 with 7 home runs and a 89 wRC+, which puts him well below his two competitors offensively.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Trevor Story got off to the hot start as was mentioned above, but he also has some defensive value. The strongest part of his game is at the plate, where he is hitting .271/.339/.559 with 19 home runs and a wRC+ of 119. His play at the plate has been very impressive so far this season, but not as impressive as the man in third place of voting, Corey Seager.
Seager was considered the number one prospect in baseball last season as he prepared to make his debut in late 2015. In 2016 he has lived up to the hype in every facet of the game. Seager is now hitting .298/.356/.528 with 16 home runs and a 138 wRC+. His bat has been the best among the young shortstops in the National League, and it should earn him a spot on the All-Star Roster.
Fans from Colorado and Chicago are voting strong for their players, but Seager has far superior numbers to both of the top two candidates. While there’s still time, consider putting Seager on your ballot to get him the well-deserved start.
Next: Rockies vs. Cubs