MLB All-Star Game: Mariners’ Jean Segura Wins AL Final Vote
By Chase Meili
Seattle Mariners shortstop Jean Segura won the final vote to be part of the 2018 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday.
In the MLB All-Star Game Final Vote Contest, mariners shortstop Jean Segura came out on top receiving just over 13.6 million votes. Segura joins three other Mariners already announced to the roster. Right fielder Mitch Haniger, relief pitcher Edwin Diaz and designated hitter Nelson Cruz earned their spots previously. Segura joins Manny Machado and Alex Bregman as the third shortstop selected. On the National League side of the voting, Brewers slugging first baseman Jesus Aguilar won the vote with 20.2 million votes. Aguilar has clubbed 24 home-runs and drove in 68 runs while hitting over .300 with a .375 OBP. His vote total for the contest was the second highest ever for the contest trailing only Justin Turner from last year.
In the contest, Segura had some tough competition with names such as Giancarlo Stanton and Andrew Benintendi opposing him along with young outfielder Eddie Rosario and proven shortstop Andrelton Simmons also in the final voting. Even though most of the candidates, if not all, should be named to the game as replacement due to injury or other reasons, winning the contest is the only guaranteed spot. With collaboration with the Mariners, Segura was able to lead a strong social media campaign that even included giveaways.
During the first half, Segura totaled 117 hits to a .329 mark with seven home runs and 47 runs batted in. In comparison, during Segura’s only other All-Star selection, in 2013 while with the Brewers, he drove in 49 runs for the whole season. Jean has also produced 25 doubles and stolen 14 bases. He has been a productive bat at the top of the Mariners lineup for the whole year. Needless to say, his selection seems to be very greatly deserved, especially after personal tragedy for Segura that struck him hard at the end of his time in Milwaukee.
Next: Reviewing Futures Game rosters
All-star festivities kick off on Monday with the Home-Run Derby and the Celebrity Softball Game. On Tuesday night at 8 p.m. E.T. the American League will take on the National League in the MLB All-Star Game.