MLB: One guaranteed All-Star from each AL team

With the MLB season nearing the half-way point, the 2017 All-Star game remains just a few weeks away. We’ll take a look at one player guaranteed to make the mid-summer classic from each AL ballclub.

Making an All-Star team roster is one of the most prestigious honors in MLB. Some players earn a spot based on their first half performance, while others make it based off of their name and previous accolades. The All-Star game provides baseball fans with the rare opportunity to see the most talented players all play in the same game.

During the offseason, the MLB owners and the MLBPA agreed on a new CBA. The new CBA removed the impact of the All-Star game for the winning league. From 2003 to 2016, the winning league of the All-Star game got home-field advantage in the World Series. Now, the game is merely an exhibition matchup. Nevertheless, making the game remains an honor.

Like always, fans vote in the starting position players for the All-Star game. The managers select the pitchers and the reserves. At least one player from each MLB team must make the mid-summer classic. MLB released the most recent All-Star game voting results AL on Monday.

The players leading the AL All-Star game voting include Royals’ catcher Salvador Perez, Royals’ first baseman Eric Hosmer, Astros’ second baseman Jose Altuve, Twins’ third baseman Miguel Sano, Astros’ shortstop Carlos Correa, Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge, Angels’ outfielder Mike Trout, Astros’ outfielder George Springer and Mariners’ DH Nelson Cruz.

With rosters becoming official before long, let’s take a look at one guaranteed All-Star from each AL team that’ll make the trip to Miami.