Call to the pen
Fansided

1 little-known potential All-Star from each MLB team

By Noah Yingling

Apr 12, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Eric Lauer (52) delivers a first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Eric Lauer (52) delivers a first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Keegan Thompson, Chicago Cubs
May 28, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Keegan Thompson (71) delivers against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs: Keegan Thompson

Despite primarily being a reliever (11 games, three starts), Keegan Thompson has been one of the best pitchers in baseball and the best player for the Chicago Cubs.

Thompson had an ERA of 1.58 with a 1.025 WHIP and an average of 2.5 walks and 7.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

His rWAR is 2.1, which was tied for fourth-highest in the NL.

Cincinnati Reds: Tyler Stephenson

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson has been one of about three average to above-average players for the team in 2022 but he could be their lone All-Star.

He’s hitting .304/.366/.468 with a wRC+ of 131. That’s second-highest among catchers with at least 120 plate appearances in baseball.

Milwaukee Brewers: Eric Lauer

Eric Lauer was projected to be the fifth starter for the Milwaukee Brewers this season but he has been a solid #2 starter behind reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes.

Lauer is 5-1 in eight starts with an ERA of 2.31. He has a FIP of 3.57, an excellent WHIP of 1.007, and he’s averaging just 2.3 walks in comparison to 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings.

Pittsburgh Pirates: David Bednar

David Bednar has, arguably, been the best closer in baseball to start the season but since he’s on the Pittsburgh Pirates, you don’t hear much about him.

He has a 0.75 ERA in 20 games with nine saves, a 0.667 WHIP, and an average of 1.5 BB/9 and 11.6 K/9.

St. Louis Cardinals: Ryan Helsley

Ryan Helsley is another reliever that has been absolutely phenomenal in 2022.

He has an ERA of 0.00 in 14 games (16.1 innings) with three saves with a 0.38 FIP (the best in baseball), a 0.306 WHIP, just two hits allowed, 1.7 BB/9, and 14.9 K/9.

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