The Major League Baseball All-Star Game still is a month and a half away, but given the Red Sox’s early season success, it got us thinking: How many Boston players are in line for an All-Star selection?
The Red Sox arguably are the American League’s best team and among the best clubs in all of baseball. If they continue at a pace even slightly resembling what they’ve displayed so far, there’s a good chance a strong Red Sox contingent could make the trip to San Diego for the Midsummer Classic on July 12.
There’s a case to be made for a handful of Red Sox players to make the AL team, and even one or two who might contend for a starting spot. Here’s an admittedly early look at the All-Star field, position by position, to see which Boston players have a chance to be on the squad.
CATCHER
Red Sox candidate: None
It’s been something of a catcher-by-committee behind the plate for Boston to start the season. Ryan Hanigan, Blake Swihart and Christian Vazquez all have seen time, and no one has played at an All-Star level. It would be legitimately shocking to see a Red Sox catcher in San Diego. That being said, who do we need to talk to about getting a “Christian Vazquez throws baseballs” contest at the Home Run Derby or something?
FIRST BASE
Red Sox candidate: Hanley Ramirez
Ramirez is a long shot. If he’s able to get red-hot and put up some numbers before the break, maybe he’ll have a chance. That said, his .798 OPS is fourth among qualified AL first basemen, and there are nine guys with more home runs. So, yeah. Unless Ramirez hits .350 with eight home runs and 20 RBI over the next month, it’s unlikely he’ll gain ground on a loaded list that includes the likes of Chris Davis, Jose Abreu and Miguel Cabrera.
SECOND BASEÂ
Red Sox candidate: Dustin Pedroia
Do yourself a favor and go look at stats for AL second basemen. There’s no shortage of star power. Pedroia is having a very nice season, contributing in a variety of ways, yet it’s unlikely he’ll be able to pass players like Robinson Cano (14 home runs, 43 RBI) or Jose Altuve (.312 batting average, .952 OPS, 15 stolen bases).
THIRD BASE
Red Sox candidate: Travis Shaw
Now it gets interesting. It’s very unlikely, barring a Royals-like ballot box stuffing from Red Sox fans, that Shaw will start in the All-Star Game. Manny Machado arguably has been the best player in baseball this season, and he’ll be the starter. However, you could make the case for Shaw to be on the team. His .902 OPS is third among qualified third basemen, behind just Machado and Detroit’s Nick Castellanos.
SHORTSTOP
Red Sox candidate: Xander Bogaerts
If Xander Bogaerts doesn’t start at shortstop, we riot. According to FanGraphs, just three players in baseball have a better WAR than Bogaerts. He leads AL shortstops in hits, doubles, RBIs, runs and OPS. It’s his spot to lose at this point.
LEFT FIELDÂ
Red Sox candidate: None
It’s a wide-open race, but Brock Holt has battled inconsistency and injury all season.
CENTER FIELD
Red Sox candidate: Jackie Bradley Jr.
There’s certainly a case to be made for Jackie Bradley Jr. He owns the longest hitting streak in baseball, and his .350 batting average not only leads all AL center fielders, it’s third in all of MLB at any position. Bradley’s a top-20 WAR player (in spite of uncharacteristic defensive miscues so far this season), and he’s third among AL center fielders in home runs, first in RBI, tied for first in hits and first in OPS. Here’s the thing: He’s probably not going to start. Mike Trout is one of the best-known players in either league, and he certainly has been good enough to warrant a start. But there’s no reason Bradley shouldn’t be there as a reserve.
RIGHT FIELDÂ
Red Sox candidate: Mookie Betts
Doesn’t it kind of feel like Betts has been a little overlooked this season? Especially when you consider he leads AL right fielders in hits, runs, RBI and stolen bases. Maybe Betts will make the cut as a starter if Red Sox fans go nuts with the voting, but you also could make a case for Mark Trumbo or Jose Bautista. This one will be interesting to watch.
DESIGNATED HITTER
Red Sox candidate:Â David Ortiz
Big Papi leads all of baseball in doubles, slugging and OPS, is tied for first in RBI and is tied for second in home runs. It’s his last All-Star Game. Pencil him in — nay, pen him in — as a starter.
STARTING PITCHER
Red Sox candidates:Â Steven Wright, Rick Porcello
So, uh, who saw this coming? Porcello and Wright have been the Red Sox’s two best starting pitchers, which is wild. Wright’s record is “only” 4-4, but he has been able to post a 2.52 ERA (tied for sixth in the AL) and a 1.10 WHIP (ninth in the AL), and his 3.14 FIP is 12th among AL starters. Porcello, meanwhile, is eighth in WHIP and tied for second in wins, and he has been arguably the best pitcher on arguably the best team in the league. Neither Wright nor Porcello will start, but if they continue to roll, it’s not inconceivable one of them could make the team.
RELIEF PITCHER
Red Sox candidate: Craig Kimbrel
As good as Junichi Tazawa has been, Kimbrel probably is the only legitimate candidate out of the Red Sox bullpen. However, AL manager Ned Yost oversees baseball’s best bullpen in Kansas City, and you have to think the Royals’ relief corps will be represented in San Diego. You also have to take at least two of the Yankees’ relievers, meaning Kimbrel might be on the outside looking in.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
