The Philadelphia Phillies have a reason to celebrate as one of their star players has secured a spot in the upcoming All-Star Game. Bryce Harper, the reigning National League MVP, is eagerly awaiting his place in the lineup. This news comes as Major League Baseball’s public voting period for the All-Star weekend, hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers this July, kicks off.
Harper, who has been a standout performer for the Phillies, has primarily taken on the role of designated hitter this season. This shift is due to injuries to his throwing arm and the acquisition of new outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos. Despite these changes, Harper has continued to shine, maintaining impressive statistics that mirror his MVP-winning season last year.
The designated hitter rule, newly adopted by the National League, has allowed Harper to focus on his batting. He has played 41 of his 49 games this season as a DH, and his performance has been nothing short of stellar. Harper’s batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS are all in line with his previous season’s numbers. He has already accumulated 19 doubles, 13 home runs, and 41 RBIs, making him one of the most productive hitters in the league.
Harper’s inclusion in the All-Star Game seems like a foregone conclusion. His consistent performance and the high-powered Phillies offense have made him a favorite among fans and analysts alike. This All-Star appearance will be another feather in the cap for Harper, who has been a top-10 talent in the league for the past decade.
While Harper’s spot in the All-Star Game is almost certain, the competition among other National League position players is fierce. The introduction of the designated hitter rule has added a new dimension to the voting process, allowing fans to vote for nine players in each league. This change has opened up opportunities for players who might not have been considered in previous years.
For instance, Paul Goldschmidt of the St. Louis Cardinals is having an exceptional season and is a frontrunner for the National League MVP. Goldschmidt leads the NL in offensive WAR, batting average, on-base percentage, and on-base plus slugging. His performance has been so impressive that he is expected to earn his seventh All-Star appearance, his first as a member of the Cardinals.
Another player to watch is Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins. Despite some injuries, Chisholm has been a standout performer, leading all National League second basemen in home runs. His speed, pop, and strong defense make him a fan favorite and a likely candidate for his first All-Star appearance.
Trea Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers is another strong contender. Acquired in last year’s blockbuster Max Scherzer trade, Turner has been a key player for the Dodgers. His top-five appearances on the NL leaderboard for base hits, RBIs, stolen bases, and win probability added, combined with the support of a massive Dodgers fanbase, make him a strong candidate for the All-Star Game.
Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres is also having a standout season. With a .325/.399/.534 slash line and 170 OPS+, Machado has been one of the best hitters in the game. His solid defense at third base and his leadership in the absence of Fernando TatÃs Jr. make him a likely All-Star.
Willson Contreras of the Chicago Cubs is another near-certain pick for the All-Star roster. Contreras has been the best catcher in the National League, leading all major league catchers in home runs and qualified catchers in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS. His performance this season has made him one of the hottest commodities for the upcoming trade deadline.
In the outfield, Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a lock for the All-Star Game. Betts has rediscovered his top-5 player form and is leading the National League with 16 home runs and 126 total bases. His performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular, making him a strong contender for his second MVP trophy.
Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves and Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals are also strong candidates. Acuña, despite missing most of April due to injury, has been a standout performer. His speed and power make him a fan favorite, and his popularity is likely to earn him a third All-Star appearance. Soto, despite a slow start to the season, remains one of the most disciplined and talented hitters in baseball. His ability to draw walks and hit home runs makes him a strong candidate for the All-Star Game.
As the voting period continues, fans will have the opportunity to support their favorite players and help shape the All-Star roster. For the Philadelphia Phillies, having Bryce Harper secure a spot in the All-Star Game is a testament to his talent and consistency. Harper’s performance this season has been nothing short of exceptional, and his inclusion in the All-Star lineup is well-deserved.
Source: USA Today, Getty Images, Icon Sportswire
