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MLB: One guaranteed All-Star from each AL team

By Anthony Sosa

Apr 11, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; A general view of the MLB All-Star game logo inside Marlins Park prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; A general view of the MLB All-Star game logo inside Marlins Park prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 25, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Logan Morrison (7) singles during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Logan Morrison (7) singles during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

AL East

New York Yankees: Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge got off to a rough start with the Yankees in 2016. In 27 games, Judge hit below the Mendoza line, but he flipped the switch in 2017.

In his official rookie season, Judge leads all of baseball in home runs (25), WAR (4.2), slugging percentage (.702) and OPS (1.141).

The 25-year-old continues to play a huge role in the Yankees’ 2017 success. Even though the Yankees sold at the trade deadline last season and opted to take the younger route with their players, they remain one of the best teams in baseball. With the way Judge has played so far, 2017 won’t be the only season he makes the All-Star game.

Boston Red Sox: Chris Sale

One of the most dominant pitchers in the game, Chris Sale came over to the Red Sox during the offseason. He’s provided the Red Sox with everything they could have asked for and more.

Sale owns the sixth-best ERA in baseball at 2.85, while his 0.904 WHIP ranks third best. His K/9 sits best in baseball at 12.24.

Sale won’t be the only Red Sox player to make the All-Star game, but out of anyone in Boston, he’s most likely to make it.

Tampa Bay Rays: Logan Morrison

In his eighth big league season, Logan Morrison is a having a career year with the Rays. Morrison is looking to make his first MLB All-Star game.

Over the past two seasons, Morrison hit just 31 home runs combined. So far in 2017, Morrison has hit 21 home runs. His career-high in homers came in 2011 when he hit 23 for the Marlins. He could tie or pass that mark before the All-Star break.

Despite some other Rays’ players having solid seasons, it’s hard to argue that Morrison isn’t the most deserving Tampa Bay player.

Baltimore Orioles: Dylan Bundy

The Baltimore Orioles no longer look like a team that has a shot at the playoffs. Lack of a solid pitching staff finally caught up with them and they remain hovered around .500.

Star third baseman Manny Machado is in the midst of the worst season of his career. Thus, opening a spot for someone else on the Orioles to represent Baltimore in the All-Star game.

One of the bright spots for the Orioles in 2017 belongs to Dylan Bundy. The 24-year-old starting pitcher owns a 3.73 ERA, 1.222 WHIP and a 123 ERA+.

Toronto Blue Jays: Justin Smoak

After a rough start to 2017, the Toronto Blue Jays remain in the cellar of the AL East. Due to the Blue Jays bad record and stars Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson spending a good portion of the first half on the DL, the club might have just one representative in the All-Star game.

Having already tied his career-high in home runs (20), Justin Smoak continues the best season of his career. He looks to make his first ever All-Star game.

Smoak leads the Blue Jays in home runs, batting average (.302), RBI (48), slugging percentage (.583) and OPS (.952).

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