MLB All-Star Game: American League lineup predictions

Third Base

Starter: Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays.

Third base has had a terrific influx of young talent over the past few years, making it one of the most difficult All-Star positions to predict. Donaldson, last year’s top overall vote-getter and AL MVP, will hold off some tough competition with the support of a rabid fan base.

Even four years ago, nobody could have seen Donaldson developing into one of the top position players in the majors. Donaldson came out of nowhere in 2013 to post a 147 wRC+ and 7.6 WAR per FanGraphs, and played terrific defense at third base after transitioning from catcher the year before.

As great as Donaldson was in Oakland from 2013-2014, he became even better following a head-scratching trade to Toronto last season. Donaldson posted the best park-adjusted numbers of his career en route to an incredible 8.7 WAR to pry the AL MVP award away from Mike Trout.

While we may not see that WAR total again, Donaldson is well on his way to a third consecutive All-Star appearance with a .293/.379/.655 line so far, including five home runs. Even if someone like Manny Machado has slightly better numbers than Donaldson by the break, Toronto’s fanbase will make the difference, and it will be tough to argue that he doesn’t deserve another starting nod.

Reserves: Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers.

Machado bounced back from an injury-plagued 2014 with 6.8 WAR last year per FanGraphs and appears headed for an MVP-type season. Beltre keeps going strong  at 37 years old and has the best chance to be the Rangers’ representative at the Midsummer Classic.

Next: Outfield