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The MLB season for 2018 has given viewers plenty to be excited about as we begin the month of June. With the always exciting All-Star game just a few weeks away, fans are beginning to lobby for their favorite players to be selected in the mid-summer classic. Since the All-Star game no longer determines home-field advantage for the World Series, it allows the players to relax and put their talents on full display against other great players that can make plenty of eyebrows raise. The events leading up to the All-Star game always add extra energy to the host city and those who visit its limits. As the anticipation builds and fans begin to cast their votes, let’s take a look at some candidates who could potentially take the field at Nationals Park on July, 17th and lead their respective league to victory.
American League Starters
The duo of Jose Altuve and Mike Trout has been a constant at the All-Star game and it is no surprise that they are back on the list. Aaron Judge will appear in his second straight All-Star game and Mookie Betts will bring in the highest batting average in all of baseball.
Catcher: Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals
1st Base: Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox
2nd Base: Jose Altuve, Houston Astros
3rd Base: Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Indians
Shortstop: Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians
Outfield: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Outfield: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
Outfield: Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox
Designated Hitter: J.D. Martinez, Boston Red Sox
American League Pitchers
These pitchers down below have stood out the most in the young season. Luis Severino and Justin Verlander will anchor the American League staff and these two will certainly battle for the Cy Young Award at season’s end.
Luis Severino: New York Yankees
Justin Verlander: Houston Astros
Corey Kluber: Cleveland Indians
Gerrit Cole: Houston Astros
Charlie Morton: Houston Astros
Rick Porcello: Boston Red Sox
Lance McCullers Jr: Houston Astros
Hector Rondon: Houston Astros
Craig Kimbrel: Boston Red Sox
Shane Greene: Detroit Tigers
Ken Giles: Houston Astros
Blake Treinen: Oakland Athletics
Aroldis Chapman: New York Yankees
American League Reserves
The Japanese sensation Ohtani and the baby-faced assassin Torres will crack the reserves list for the first time and regulars like Moustakas and Correa will be back as well. Do not be surprised if the All-Star game is one of the last times that Manny Machado will be wearing an Orioles uniform.
Catcher: Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees
1st Base: Yuli Gurriel, Houston Astros
2nd Base: Gleyber Torres, New York Yankees
3rd Base: Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals
Shortstop: Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles
Shortstop: Carlos Correa, Houston Astros
Shortstop: Jean Segura, Seattle Mariners
3rd Base: Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals
Outfield: George Springer, Houston Astros
Outfield: Dee Gordon, Seattle Mariners
Outfield: Nick Castellanos, Detroit Tigers
Designated Hitter/Pitcher: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
National League Starters
Buster Posey has been one of the most stable All-Star game participants and he will suit up as the catcher for the National League. Bryce Harper will give the hometown DC fans a thrill and Nolan Arenado will wow the fans with his superb arm strength at third base.
Catcher: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
1st Base: Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves
2nd Base: Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs
3rd Base: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
Shortstop: Brandon Crawford: San Francisco Giants
Outfield: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers
Outfield: Charlie Blackmon, Colorado Rockies
Outfield: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals
National League Pitchers:
Max Scherzer and his two colored eyes will be the face of the National League’s rotation and he will get to do it in his home ballpark. Jake Arrietta has found a new home in Philadelphia and he is only going to get better alongside Aaron Nola.
Max Scherzer: Washington Nationals
Aaron Nola: Philadelphia Phillies
Jake Arrietta: Philadelphia Phillies
Gio Gonzalez: Washington Nationals
Michael Wacha: St. Louis Cardinals
Jon Lester: Chicago Cubs
Wade Davis: Colorado Rockies
Brad Hand: San Diego Padres
Jeurys Familia: New York Mets
Kenley Jansen: Los Angeles Dodgers
Brandon Morrow: Chicago Cubs
National League Reserves:
Joey Votto and Eric Hosmer have been All-Star game regulars and they will enter the game as reserves. Kris Bryant’s strong arm and wicked fast bat will also get make an entrance alongside the rookie phenom Ozzie Albies.
Catcher: Wilson Contreras, Chicago Cubs
1st Base: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
1st Base: Eric Hosmer, San Diego Padres
2nd Base: Scooter Gennett, Cincinnati Reds
2nd Base: Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves
3rd Base: Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs
Shortstop: Trea Turner, Washington Nationals
Outfield: Alberto Almora Jr, Chicago Cubs
Outfield: Nick Markakis, Atlanta Braves
Outfield: Odubel Herrera, Philadelphia Phillies