AL All-Stars: Imagining the 2020 Midsummer Classic
By Matt Graves
What would the 2020 AL All-Stars look like? Let’s look at the DH and SP.
DH, Nelson Cruz
Nelson Cruz is the ageless wonder for the Minnesota Twins. The 40-year old is a six-time All-Star, and he’s a no brainer here. His 1.098 OPS, 13 homers, and 29 RBI are all tops at the position. The only other competition Cruz has at this position are Franmil Reyes of the Cleveland Indians and Jorge Soler of the Kansas City Royals.
SP, Shane Bieber
The right-hander has been the American League’s most dominant pitcher. Bieber is the reigning All-Star Game MVP. Pitching in his home ballpark, the Biebs struck out the side in the fifth inning. Now, he’s reached a new level in 2020. He’s 6-0 with a 1.35 ERA and an 8.33 K/BB ratio in 46 2/3 innings.
However, while Gerrit Cole, Dylan Bundy, and Kenta Maeda were worthy of consideration, Bieber is the obvious choice to start on the mound. Cleveland remains in content thanks to their pitching, even without Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger. Bieber has emerged as the ace of the rotation. For everything, he’s done this season, Bieber, a front-runner to win the Cy Young Award this season.
Next. Phillies trade deadline targets. dark
Pitching reserves
Kenta Maeda, Randy Dobnak, Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito, Dylan Bundy, Zach Greinke, Gerrit Cole, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brad Hand, Liam Hendricks.