Houston Astros: Will Charlie Morton be an All-Star this year?

Several Houston Astros players are in limbo in terms of making the American League All-Star roster. But of multiple guys in the group, Charlie Morton might have the best resumé in the class.

The Houston Astros will have multiple representatives at the MLB All-Star Game. However, there are still some players building their case to make the team, such as Alex Bregman and Collin McHugh.

Yet, Charlie Morton has arguably the most interesting case amongst players on the cusp of making the cut.

Multiple analysts made their projected roster known starting as early as last month. But with just a few weeks left until the Midsummer Classic, fans and experts alike should have a clearer understanding of who should be in and who might get snubbed.

MLB.com‘s Mike Petriello is the only distinguished journalist that has Morton on his final roster. Nevertheless, Petriello lists just three relievers on his American League squad, which is pithy.

Many can argue that Morton is undeserving of a spot this year. But if the Houston veteran makes his first All-Star appearance of his career this season, there is justification.

The 34-year-old owns a sub-3.00 ERA across more than 95 innings pitched. More noteworthy, he strikes out more than 11 hitters per nine innings. Just nine players in the entire MLB are a part of that group.

Morton’s only knock this year is his command, as he’s compiled 39 walks this season. Just four pitchers ranked in the top 50 in ERA surrendered more free passes.

Nevertheless, Morton ranks in the top 20 in most categories. What is more impressive is that Morton isn’t far behind teammates Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole – both Cy Young candidates – in most categories. He even pitched better than them across June.

What could keep Morton off the roster is team representation. The commissioner might place guys like JA Happ or Keone Kela on the squad before him.

What about the other potential Astros All-Stars?

Call to the Pen addressed most of the inquiries regarding Houston’s possible All-Stars last week. Yet, there is more information, and more support, for some players. 

Lance McCullers Jr. is on a mission, hoping to garner enough support to get McHugh in the All-Star Game. McHugh has a case too, posting the best numbers of his career in 2018.

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The now-relief pitcher owns the second-lowest ERA of any AL pitcher with more than 20 innings. His WHIP ranks second in the category too, just behind the Yankees’ Jonathan Holder.

The Astros pitcher has 51 strikeouts compared to just nine walks – a ratio of nearly 5.75. That ranks 17th in the AL, while his 12.41 strikeouts per nine innings sits in the top 10.

McCullers makes a good point, and McHugh’s story is a good one. Rumors had McHugh leaving Houston via a trade for Cole or another big-name player. Yet, he remains on the Astros lineup, and now he’s thriving in a new role.

Unfortunately for McHugh, long relievers rarely make the roster ahead of closers. He could be a replacement, though.

Meanwhile, Bregman is making a final push to secure a spot in the hot corner for the AL.

The Astros third basemen sported phenomenal numbers across June, hitting 11 homers and accruing 30 RBIs. His .306/.372/.713 triple-slash was one of the best in the bigs during the month.

Next: Houston players that should be in the Midsummer Classic

Thus, Bregman has a case to make the squad. He won’t pass up Jose Ramirez in fan votes. But Bregman still has a chance to get the Final Vote or players’ vote.

Even if the 24-year-old doesn’t make the team this season, the Astros are pleased with his performance thus far. And he is undoubtedly a future All-Star.