The 2024 MLB All-Star Game rosters have been announced, with a total of 77 players officially named as All-Stars. However, this number is expected to increase as injury replacements are selected in the coming days.
One standout player this year is Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes, who has been turning heads since his debut in May. Skenes made history by becoming the first player to earn an All-Star selection just one year after being the No. 1 overall draft pick.
Despite his impressive performance, Minnesota Twins outfielder/second baseman Willi Castro was considered one of the biggest snubs for the All-Star Game this year. With a fWAR of 2.9, Castro has put up strong numbers, batting .272 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs.
Another notable snub is Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez, who leads all NL pitchers with a fWAR of 2.9. Sánchez has a 6-4 record with a 2.96 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 97.1 innings pitched.
The Seattle Mariners, currently leading the AL West, only have one All-Star representative in pitcher Logan Gilbert. However, pitcher George Kirby, with a fWAR of 3.0, was considered a notable snub. Kirby boasts a 7-6 record with a 3.39 ERA and 109 strikeouts.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, with a fWAR of 3.6, also missed out on an All-Star selection despite his strong performance this season. Lindor is hitting .248 with 15 home runs, 45 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases.
The Philadelphia Phillies lead the way with seven All-Star selections this year, including hitters Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Alec Bohm, along with pitchers Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez, Matt Strahm, and Jeff Hoffman. However, history shows that having the most All-Stars does not guarantee World Series success.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts holds the record for the longest streak of All-Star appearances with eight. Despite this, Betts will miss this year’s game due to a hand injury suffered in June.
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Pérez and Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuvé have the most All-Star appearances on either roster with nine each.
In terms of international representation, there are slightly more American-born All-Stars (43) than international players (34) in this year’s game. The average age of the All-Stars is 28.6, with the youngest player being San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill at 21.
Overall, the 2024 MLB All-Star Game promises to showcase some of the best talent in the league, with a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting newcomers taking the field.
