Steve Webb
First Round of All-Star Voting Released by MLB
LOS ANGELES, CA — There will be at least a little blue on the diamond at this year’s All-Star Game, but some of the Dodgers need your help to put them over the top. Let’s look at the voting so far at each position and see where the L.A. starters stand:
First Base
1. Bryce Harper, Phillies: 1,110,562
2. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers: 713,858
3. Matt Olson, Braves: 154,672
4. Pete Alonso, Mets: 151,602
5. Jake Cronenworth, Padres: 139,632
Obviously, it is hard to argue against either Harper or Freeman for the starting nod at first, and maybe Freeman’s “slow” start has depressed his vote totals a bit. However, if you look at the most recent numbers, Freeman is having just as good a year as Harper, if not better. Harper does lead Freddie in homers and RBI, but thanks to scalding hot June, Freeman’s OPS is now higher than Harper’s. Of course, Harper has been absent from the Midsummer Classic for a while due to injuries that spoiled his first half the last couple of seasons, so there will be a certain nostalgic longing to see him back at first in Arlington. Freddie could use your help.
Second Base
1. Luis Arraez, Padres: 613,068
2. Ketel Marte, D-backs: 608,807
3. Bryson Stott, Phillies: 486,315
4. Ozzie Albies, Braves: 247,517
5. Gavin Lux, Dodgers: 183,441
Not much to say in this category. Arguably, Lux is the weakest part of the Dodger lineup at the moment. There is no way I would advocate for him over any of the other guys on this list. I’m a Dodger fan, but let’s not get ridiculous.
Third Base
1. Alec Bohm, Phillies: 1,012,174
2. Manny Machado, Padres: 267,063
3. Joey Ortiz, Brewers: 244,957
4. Max Muncy, Dodgers: 226,585
5. Ryan McMahon, Rockies: 187,838
I love me some Max Muncy, but he’s just been on the IL too long for him to be considered All-Star material this year. Bohm’s comfortable lead should hold up until July pretty easily.
Shortstop
1. Mookie Betts, Dodgers: 1,023,690
2. Trea Turner, Phillies: 509,043
3. Elly De La Cruz, Reds: 324,559
4. Orlando Arcia, Braves: 147,103
5. Willy Adames, Brewers: 137,323
This one is a heartbreaker. After all his hard work, Betts was coasting to an easy start at a new position. But with that injury to his hand, there is almost no chance that he will be able to play on the field in the All Star Game. Sigh. Looks like our old buddy Trea Turner will be the likely replacement, but Mookie will be the All-Star in our hearts forever.
Outfield
1. Jurickson Profar, Padres: 900,541
2. Christian Yelich, Brewers: 821,037
3. Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres: 798,609
4. Teoscar Hernández, Dodgers: 761,934
5. Brandon Marsh, Phillies: 521,461
6. Nick Castellanos, Phillies: 439,764
7. Johan Rojas, Phillies: 363,047
8. Cody Bellinger, Cubs: 352,565
9. Heliot Ramos, Giants: 241,532
Teoscar Hernandez is just outside of a starting position in this fierce competition for outfield in the National League. Certainly Profar has a good case to make to start, as do Yelich and Tatis, but Teoscar’s body of work, including that amazing series in Yankee Stadium make him worthy of a nod. He’s sure to make the team one way or another, but it would be great to see him out in the lineup when the first pitch is thrown.
Catcher
1. William Contreras, Brewers: 746,461
2. J.T. Realmuto, Phillies: 558,624
3. Will Smith, Dodgers: 557,970
4. Willson Contreras, Cardinals: 149,315
5. Sean Murphy, Braves: 132,575
This one annoys me. Third? How can you say that our dear Will Smith is the THIRD best catcher in the National League. Contreras is having a good year, but Smith’s OPS is over 100 points higher than that of J.T. Realmuto. And, with Smith’s newfound prowess in catching runners trying to steal, he is certainly a better defensive catcher than Contreras, whose offensive numbers are similar to Smith’s. An Outrage! Vote Will!
Designated Hitter
1. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers: 1,002,377
2. Marcell Ozuna, Braves: 478,538
3. Kyle Schwarber, Phillies: 435,416
4. Rhys Hoskins, Brewers: 103,366
5. Donovan Solano, Padres: 101,195
Obviously, Ohtani is having an MVP-type of season in his first year in Dodger blue. He absolutely deserves to be the starter for the National League. And it does my heart good to see noted jerk Marcell Ozuna’s depressed vote total in this category despite having a good year at the plate. Ohtani may end up being the only Dodger in the starting lineup now that Betts is sidelined. For shame!
Vote now!
The All-Star Game will be played on July 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas at Globe Life Field. The first round of balloting continues until June 27, at which point the field will be winnowed for a second round of voting. Just like in old-time Chicago, fans can vote multiple times, up to five times a day. Let’s stuff the ballot boxes with Dodger Blue. Click here to vote!
