The way-too-early National League All-Star team 1.0
April just ended and All-Star voting is not even open yet, but who says you can’t start picking your All Star roster?
As a reminder, both the National League and American League get 33 roster spots and each team gets at least one representative. The 33rd spot on each roster is a special selection by Rob Manfred and the league office. Last year, Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera received those honors.
There are 10 starters for each side now with the addition of the permanent DH for both leagues. The National League had some easy choices after the first month of play.
The way-too-early National League All-Star team 1.0
Catcher:
Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves will likely be an overwhelming favorite to earn this honor. Would he be if his platoon mate Travis d’Arnaud never got injured? The new Brave backstop is only second in the entire National League in OPS so far this season. He currently has eight home runs thanks to a recent two-homer performance against the New York Mets.
Elias Diaz (COL), J.T. Realmuto (PHI) and Will Smith (LAD) will all be suitable backup candidates if Murphy can stay this productive.
First base:
This will likely be a tight race between Paul Goldschmidt (STL) and Matt Olson (ATL), with the edge going to Goldy here. Every team has to have a representative and this will probably be the only Cardinal at the Midsummer Classic. Olson all but has a spot on the roster locked up with Pete Alonso (NYM) and LaMonte Wade (SF) jockeying for a spot as well.
Second base:
Luiz Arraez of the Miami Marlins is running away with the starting position at second base. If you had to place a bet today, Arraez would be a smart bet to finish with the National League batting title as well. Miami is almost definitely getting one representative this year and this is the guy.
The race for the back up spot is quite a wild race. Ozzie Albies (ATL), Nico Hoerner (CHC), Thairo Estrada (SF) and Jeff McNeil (NYM) are all legitimate candidates. Even Bryson Stott (PHI) is trying to insert his name into the conversation.
Third base:
The hot corner has been not so hot in the National League this season. The two best at the position, Nolan Arenado (STL) and Austin Riley (ATL) are struggling mightily at the plate thus far. Max Muncy (LAD) and Patrick Wisdom (CHC) are slugging it, but hitting for a low average. Due to the weakness at the position this season, JD Davis (SF) and Josh Rojas (ARI) have a shot at making their first selection.
It’s entirely possible that one or both of Arenado and Riley either win the fan vote on reputation or get hot down the stretch and win the spot, but at the moment Max Muncy gets the nod.
Shortstop:
Dansby Swanson has been streaky for his new team in Chicago this season, which could cost him the starting spot because Xander Bogaerts of the San Diego Padres has been consistently hitting the cover off the ball. These are the only two batting above .300 at this point in the season, with Bogaerts ahead in Swanson in hits, home runs, RBI, average and OPS.
Unless something crazy happens, Swanson is headed for his second straight All-Star game as a back up.
Outfield:
Barring injury, Ronald Acuña Jr. is a lock to start this season. After a season where he did not look right recovering from his torn ACL, Acuña Jr. is back flexing his MVP candidate muscle.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been a surprise team after a month of play and veteran outfielder Bryan Reynolds has played a major role in that success. A favorite mock trade candidate over the winter, Reynolds recently inked a new extension with the franchise as things are kinda looking up.
The Phillies have two candidates for the ASG in their outfield, but it’s Brandon Marsh that is worthy of the starting spot. The missing Duck Dynasty brother is leading the entire NL in OPS thanks to his league leading four triples on the season. If he continues to produce at this pace (yet to be seen), he deserves that third starting spot.
Nick Castellanos (PHI), Corbin Carroll (ARI), Cody Bellinger (CHC), James Outman (LAD) and Brandon Nimmo (NYM) are also having important seasons for their franchises and it would be quite the collection of non household names making the team.
Starting pitcher:
There are a handful of worthy candidates to be named the All-Star starter. Clayton Kershaw (LAD), Justin Steele (CHC), Spencer Strider (ATL), Zac Gallen (ARI), Graham Ashcraft (CIN) and Wade Miley (MIL) have all been really good to start the season. Kershaw would be the guy as it would likely be his last chance to start one. Spencer Strider would be the most fun pitcher to start as the flamethrower with a mustache leads the NL in strikeouts.
Kershaw’s legacy will play a factor in this decision, but he also leads in wins with five and WHIP at .76 – which is insane.
Check back soon to see which players hang onto their spots and which ones fade off as the summer goes on!