Over one month into the MLB season and some position players are making a strong case to make their first MLB All-Star Game in 2017.
MLB released the first MLB All-Star Game online ballots of 2017 on May 1. Baseball fans all over the world can vote for their favorite players or players they feel deserve the honor, now and until June 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 88th MLB All-Star Game takes place July 11 at Marlins Park in Miami.
As always, fan-voting produces the starting lineups for both the AL and NL squads. For the pitchers and reserves, the All-Star Game managers decide who makes the teams.
For the first time since the infamous 2002 All-Star Game tie in Milwaukee, the All-Star Game won’t result in World Series home-field advantage for the winning league. MLB’s new collective bargaining agreement ended the World Series impact from the ASG. So, MLB’s ASG becomes just an exhibition game again.
Even though the Midsummer Classic lost its competitive edge, making an All-Star Game remains one of the most prestigious honors in MLB. When it comes down to Hall of Fame voting, All-Star Game appearances can play a factor.
In the 2016 All-Star Game, 34 players earned their first ASG appearances. Some notable first-time All-Stars in 2016 were Mookie Betts, Dexter Fowler, Wil Myers, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager and ASG MVP Eric Hosmer.
But how many All-Stars will make their first ASG in 2017? Let’s take a look at four position players that are making a strong case to make their first ever MLB All-Star Game appearance in 2017.