MLB All-Star Team way too early Nationals League starting lineup

The way-too-early NL MLB All-Star Team starting lineup

ATLANTA, GA MAY 15: Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) hits a deep fly ball during the game between Atlanta and Chicago on May 15th, 2018 at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, GA. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Atlanta Braves by a score of 3 -2. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 29: Freddie Freeman /

MLB All-Star Team First Base

Conventional Pick: Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves

Right now, the competition for NL starting first baseman is a two-man race between Freddie Freeman and Brandon Belt. Freeman has a higher batting average, more runs scored, and more RBI.

Belt has more home runs and a higher slugging percentage. With Freeman leading in multiple traditional categories and playing on the very exciting Atlanta Braves team, I could see him getting the nod at first base for the NL.

Combined WAR Pick: Brandon Belt, San Francisco Giants

Belt is just barely ahead of Freeman in combined WAR, 2.4 to 2.3. He’s been good everywhere, but particularly good away from his home park. On the road, Belt is hitting .324/.418/.686, good for a 198 wRC+. Roughly one WAR below Belt is Joey Votto, followed by the surprising Jesus Aguilar of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Last Calendar Year pick: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds

No NL first baseman comes close to Joey Votto over the last 365 days. He’s hit .318/.452/.534 over that stretch, good for 6.6 WAR. Freddie Freeman is second on the list, with 4.2 WAR, followed by Cody Bellinger (3.8), Paul Goldschmidt (3.8), Brandon Belt (3.6) and Anthony Rizzo (3.6). Votto is the only player among this group with an OBP over .400, and his OBP is well over .400.

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