MLB All-Star Game: The case for each AL Final Vote candidate

Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers

Elvis Andrus previously made the All-Star team in 2010 and 2012, as he appeared to be one of baseball’s up-and-coming young shortstops. He proceeded to endure a rough period from 2013-2015, when he slashed a disappointing .264/.317/.340 (81 OPS+). Andrus began to get back on track last season by slashing .302/.362/.439, and he seems to be carrying that success into 2017.

Andrus is hitting a buoyant .302/.350/.475 through 80 games while showing more power and run production ability than ever before. He has 11 home runs – already a career high – and his 50 RBI puts him well on pace to set another personal best by surpassing last year’s 69. Andrus is also more of a speed threat than any of the other Final Vote candidates, having swiped 20 bases so far.

Still just 28 years old, Andrus remains very much in his prime and it’s nice to see him live up to that earlier potential rather than continue to slide. He has been a definite bright spot in a Rangers lineup that has seen many key players underwhelm to this point in the season. An all-around contributor at a premium position, Andrus has as strong a case as anyone for the last space on the AL All-Star squad.

Official Final Vote Hashtag: #ElectElvis

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