MLB All-Star Game predictions: Dodgers could dominate starting lineup at home

Catcher: Alejandro Kirk (Toronto Blue Jays)

With the amount of big names at catcher in the AL, it would’ve been much easier to pick someone like Sean Murphy, Salvador Perez, Yasmani Grandal or Christian Vazquez to take this spot at the beginning of the year.

Here we are, two months in, and Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk leads the way amongst AL catchers in batting average (.322), OBP (.401) and OPS (.878) as well as just a tick behind Rangers catcher Jonah Heim for the AL lead in SLG amongst catchers.

Kirk has excellent bat-to-ball skills and has really began to shine now that he’s been given the reigns as the Blue Jays top catcher on the organizational depth chart.

First baseman: Ty France (Seattle Mariners)

Ty France is likely to join Kirk in the All-Star Game as first time selections. While Kirk’s teammate Vlad Guerrero is perhaps the most popular pick, France has been electric this season; playing in more games (57) than any other first baseman, leading the way in RBI (38), SLG (.491) and OPS (.893) and coming up just short for the lead in batting average behind Twins utilityman Luis Arraez who has nine games and 14 hits less than France.

The 27-year-old France came over the Mariners organization via trade from the Padres back in 2020 and has been great ever since. He hit 18 home runs and drove in 73 runs last season with a 127 OPS+ and is very much on pace to top all of those as he already has nine home runs, 38 RBI and a sparkling 164 OPS+.

Second baseman: Jose Altuve (Houston Astros)

One of the most consistent players in all of Major League Baseball, Jose Altuve continues to dominate opposing pitchers as he enters his 12th year in the bigs at the age of 32.

The seven-time All-Star and former AL MVP leads all American League second baseman in home runs (11), OPS (.885) and OBP (.355) through his first 42 games. He will undoubtedly have competition in the form of a resurgent Trevor Story but Altuve is the likeliest pick as he is one of the game’s most popular players and has the long track record of success to back himself up.

Third baseman: José Ramirez (Cleveland Guardians)

While the competition is stiff in the form of Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, there is simply no way José Ramirez is not the starter at the position in this year’s All-Star Game.

Ramirez, a three-time All-Star and Silver Slugger, has 14 home runs under his belt and an MLB-leading 54 RBI (22 higher than the second highest 3B in the AL). He also leads AL third baseman in stolen bases (nine), SLG (.611) and OPS (.999) through 52 games on the season.

Ramirez is a switch-hitting offensive juggernaut who could very well be playing himself into an AL MVP trophy once all is said and done this season. His excellent bat and slick defense make him one of the game’s most valuable players.

Shortstop: Tim Anderson (Chicago White Sox)

A few months ago, I probably would not have settled on Tim Anderson to be the starting shortstop for the American League. Arguably the most crowded position in all of the majors, Anderson had competition from Bo Bichette, Corey Seager, Carlos Correa, Wander Franco and Xander Bogaerts (to name a few) heading into the season. Only Bogaerts remains as a true threat to Anderson’s starting spot in this year’s contest.

While Anderson has only 40 games under his belt this season next to Bogaerts’ 56, he has been incredible so far, leading AL shortstops in stolen bases (eight), batting average (.356), OBP (.393), SLG (.550) and OPS (.896), he has been far and away the best there is at this position so far and is on the fast track to his second career All-Star Game selection.

Left field: Andrew Benintendi (Kansas City Royals)

After years of untapped potential earned him a ticket out of Boston, Andrew Benintendi seems to be truly putting it all together this season as he vies for his first career selection to the All-Star Game.

The 27-year-old lefty has already been worth 1.6 bWAR through 54 contests this season, driving in 21 runs and leading AL left fielders in batting average (.315) and OBP (.382) along the way. He has been striking out less than he typically has throughout his career and continues to play excellent defense in left. Not only is he likely to be the starting left fielder in the ASG but he is also on his way to his third career Gold Glove Award.

Center field: Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels)

As talented and deserving as Byron Buxton, George Springer and even Adolis Garcia are, nobody comes close to the otherworldly talent that is Mike Trout.

The once-in-a-lifetime superstar is in the midst of a well-documented slump at the moment, but he still leads the way in OBP (.388), SLG (.601), OPS (.989) and home runs (14). Trout continues to be one of the best talents that this game has ever seen and is nearly guaranteed the starting spot in center field this season in what will be his 10th All-Star Game selection in 12 years.

Right field: Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)

Speaking of otherworldly talents, there is perhaps nobody more deserving of an ASG selection this year than Aaron Judge. Judge has found his name in the headlines a ton so far this year, primarily regarding his failed contract extension talks with the Yankees.

To Judge’s credit, he has been able to push the drama aside and take his game to the next level. In 54 games so far this season, the big righty has 22 (!!!) home runs, 45 RBI, a .311 batting average and a remarkable .675 slugging percentage. Aside from the surprise breakout of Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, Judge has been far and away the best right fielder in not only the AL but the entire major leagues. He is on his way to his fourth All-Star Game appearance in seven years.

Designated hitter: Yordan Álvarez (Houston Astros)

You can count on the Houston Astros to be the only American League team to have two starters in this year’s Midsummer Classic. Designated hitter/occasional left fielder Yordan Álvarez has elevated his game this season, hitting 17 home runs, driving in 38 and posting a jaw-dropping 1.025 OPS through his first 51 games.

While Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton and Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani have both performed well in their own rights, Álvarez is the clear selection to be the starting DH in this year’s festivities fresh off of a brand new contract extension of his own.

Starting pitcher: Nestor Cortes (New York Yankees)

No disrespect to Justin Verlander or Martín Pérez, but if the season were to end today, there is little doubt that Nestor Cortes of the Yankees would be the AL Cy Young Award winner. The lefty has been incredible to begin the season, already posting a bWAR of 2.3 to go along with a dazzling 1.96 ERA and 193 ERA+.

The 27-year old has made all 11 starts to begin the 2022 regular season and has struck out 71 batters in 64+ innings, walking only 14 along the way and allowing home runs at a career-low 0.8 HR/9 rating.

With his unique windups and antics on the playing field, it’s not difficult to see how Cortes has been winning over the hearts of baseball fans everywhere and he has certainly been dominant enough to start this year’s All-Star Game to represent the American League.