MLB: All-Star Predictions Using MLB The Show

Starters

National League:

• Catcher: Miguel Montero
• First Base: Anthony Rizzo
• Second Base: Daniel Murphy
• Third Base: Kris Bryant
• Shortstop: Aledmys Diaz
• Left Field: Ryan Braun
• Center Field: Charlie Blackmon
• RIght Field: Bryce Harper

American League:

• Catcher: Gary Sanchez
• First Base: Edwin Encarnacion
• Second Base: Ian Kinsler
• Third Base: Miguel Sano
• Shortstop: Xander Bogaerts
• Left Field: Michael Brantley
• Center Field: Mike Trout
• Right Field: Nelson Cruz

For the most part, both of these teams are very formidable and would make great All-Star teams. There were some shockers, however, those being Miguel Montero, Ryan Braun, Miguel Sano and Nelson Cruz. I wouldn’t call Brantley a shocker as he was an MVP candidate before his injuries, but this quartet of players did surprise me. Each of the players actually did great, though, with Ryan Braun being the most impressive with his league-leading .361 batting average.

As for Nelson Cruz, well, I cannot justify his inclusion. My only guess is because there is no designated hitter selection for the game, and with right field being his second position he secured the spot. While he did have better numbers in-game, I would not expect Cruz to beat out Mookie Betts for the staring right field position next year.

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As for the most impressive players at the break, Cruz shined, and the Cubs duo of Bryant and Rizzo made a statement. Both Bryant and Rizzo slugged 30 home runs, Bryant with 75 runs batted in and Rizzo with 87. However, Bryant dominated in batting average with a .350 mark compared to Rizzo’s .285. Then there is C.J. Cron with his .352 average and 19 home runs, Sano’s 25 long bombs, and Trout doing Trout things with 24 home runs and 61 runs batted in.