The all star game is one of the most exciting times of the year in the baseball seasons. The best of the American League and the best of the National League get to take each other on in one fun but still competitive game.
The National League is generally not as talented, this year included. However, there are still plenty of notable names around the diamond who will look to add to their hall of fame worthy resume or get their first all star nod. Despite many positions having competitive races only one can start per position.
National League catcher- William Contreras- Milwaukee Brewers
In 2022 Contreras made the all star team as the DH, getting to be in the starting lineup alongside his brother Willson. Fast forward two years later he has surpassed all NL catchers including his brother. This is Contreras’ second season as the Brewers starting catcher and he has improved in every stat. The Brewers have surpassed all expectations for them this season, and Contreras’ offensive improvement is a big reason why.
National League First Baseman- Freddie Freeman- Los Angeles Dodgers
Very few players have consistently played at a star level the way Freeman has. Freeman has made the all star team every year since 2018, except for 2020 when there was no all star game. This season is looking like it will keep Freeman’s streak going. Through 68 games Freeman holds an on base percentage of .401. If he holds onto this mark he will have three straight seasons with an on base percentage of 400 or higher, and four of the last five. The wildest thing is despite his stats being worse than last season he is still standing out vs. all first baseman.
Photo via Dodger Blue
National League Second Baseman- Ketel Marte- Arizona Diamondbacks
Marte finished fourth place in MVP in the 2019 season. Since then he has had some very good seasons but has mostly gone unnoticed. However, his 2023 national league championship series MVP helped get his name back on the map. Through 64 games Marte has an OPS+ of 142. What makes Marte so elite is that he is able to be a star on both ends of the field. Marte currently has an outs above average of eight, which ties him for the best mark in the entire National League.
National League Third Baseman- Matt Chapman- San Francisco Giants
Chapman was one of the biggest free agents of the 2023-2024 offseason, and ended up with the Giants on a massive deal. This deal has already paid off as he has been a valuable piece for the Giants. Chapman through 64 games holds a 2.6 WAR according to baseball reference. If he keeps up this pace he could have one of his best seasons ever.
National League Shortstop- Mookie Betts- Los Angeles Dodgers
For most of his career Betts had made his name as an elite defensive outfielder. However, the Dodgers moved him to shortstop to make room for the outfielders they had signed. Although his transition to shortstop has included growing pains he is still adding enough value as an offensive player to make up for it. Betts holds an OPS+ of 160 through 66 games, the third highest mark of his career. Betts has proven season in and season out that he is one of the best players in baseball, and the fact that he is in the running for National League MVP despite changing positions is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
Photo via Dodger Blue
National League DH- Shohei Ohtani- Los Angeles Dodgers
Ohtani usually makes the all star team twice, once as a pitcher and once as a hitter. This season he has not been able to pitch due to arm surgery. However, he has been available to hit and has done so at an elite level. Ohtani has been an extra base hit machine, racking up 18 doubles and 15 home runs through 64 games. Despite the fact Ohtani is not pitching and doesn’t play the field he has still thrown his name into the MVP mix just by the fact he is so productive on offense.
National League Left Fielder- Jurickson Profar- San Diego Padres
This season started off with Profar being called irrelevant by Dodgers catcher Will Smith. However, Profar has proved throughout this season that he is one of the biggest contributor in the league. Through June 10 he holds an on base percentage of .421, which is the best in the national league.
National League Center Fielder- Brandon Marsh- Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have gotten off to a hot start, and Marsh is one of the biggest reasons why. Marsh’s offensive abilities have become significantly better since he was traded from the Angels to the Phillies. However, since the National League outfield spots will be competitive he will need to be productive immediately coming off the IL.
National League Right Fielder- Heliot Ramos- San Francisco Giants
Very few players have seen the improvement that Ramos has seen in the 2024 season. In 2023 Ramos had a .179 batting average, .233 on base percentage and a .304 slugging percentage. This season through 31 games he has a .316 batting average, .400 on base percentage and a .518 slugging percentage. The Giants had signed Jung Hoo Lee to help bolster their offensive production from the outfield, but he will miss the rest of the season with an injury. Luckily for the Giants Ramos has stepped up and produced better than anyone could’ve expected.
The American League ballot was posted on Saturday, June 15 to respectmyregion.com.
