The 2024 MLB All-Star Game is shaping up to be an electrifying event, with a youthful vibe taking center stage. Featuring a whopping 33 first-time All-Stars and 19 players under the age of 27, this year’s lineup is a snapshot of the sport’s youthful evolution.
Here are some exciting highlights:
-
First-Time All-Stars: The list of newcomers includes some standout talents like Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, San Diego Padres rookie outfielder Jackson Merrill, Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller, and Pittsburgh Pirates rookie right-hander Paul Skenes.
-
Youngest Players: At just 21, Jackson Merrill is the youngest player on either roster. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles is the youngest on the American League team, voted in as a starter by the fans.
The announcement of the pitchers and reserves for the American League and National League on Sunday has set the stage for an exciting exhibition on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Texas. This came a week after the starters were revealed.
Paul Skenes has already made history by becoming the first player to be named an All-Star the season after being selected first overall in the draft. "This is cool, and I'm just grateful for all you guys," Skenes told his teammates in the clubhouse after manager Derek Shelton broke the news to him. "Since the first day I've been here, I've felt like part of the team. I couldn't have done it without you guys."
The rosters this year don’t include any players with double-digit All-Star appearances. However, Royals catcher Salvador Perez and Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve lead the pack with nine selections each, showcasing their consistency and skill over the years. Philadelphia Phillies' first baseman Bryce Harper, Los Angeles Dodgers' first baseman Freddie Freeman, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, and Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale are All-Stars for the eighth time. Harper, the NL’s top vote-getter, will start, while Freeman, Betts, and Sale were selected as reserves. Betts, who won't play due to a broken hand, made his first selection as an infielder after seven as an outfielder.
"It's definitely satisfying. I appreciate it for sure," said Sale, who was acquired by the Braves from Boston in December. "They took a chance, and I'm happy to be able to do this for them."
Dodgers' Dominance: The Dodgers have five pitchers and reserves on the NL All-Star team, joining Shohei Ohtani, the NL's starting designated hitter. This includes Freeman, catcher Will Smith, outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, and right-hander Tyler Glasnow. The Dodgers have had at least five All-Stars for the fifth straight year, showcasing their depth and talent.
Phillies' Strong Representation: The Phillies, boasting the best record in the majors for most of the season, have seven players in the All-Star Game. Pitchers Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suarez, Matt Strahm, and Jeff Hoffman were named to the NL team, joining starters Harper, Trea Turner, and Alec Bohm.
The San Diego Padres also boast five All-Stars, with Merrill joining Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jurickson Profar in the starting outfield. Closer Robert Suarez and second baseman Luis Arraez round out their impressive lineup. The Cleveland Guardians lead the American League with five selections, including starters Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan, designated hitter David Fry, first baseman Josh Naylor, and closer Emmanuel Clase.
Interestingly, both AL Central teams, the Royals, and Guardians, will send more players to the game than the higher-profile AL East contenders like the Orioles, Red Sox, and Yankees, each with three selections.
Orioles' Rising Stars: The Orioles' Gunnar Henderson, a first-time selection, and catcher Adley Rutschman, now a two-time All-Star, were elected as starters. They were joined by right-hander Corbin Burnes, a four-time All-Star.
Red Sox and Yankees: The Red Sox have third baseman Rafael Devers, outfielder Jarren Duran, and right-hander Tanner Houck representing them. Yankees closer Clay Holmes joins outfielders Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who were elected as starters. Judge, a six-time All-Star, led all vote-getters.
"I was probably a little surprised," Holmes admitted. "All-Star Games are a hard thing to make. I don't think you can ever fully expect it. I'm not coming in with a zero ERA. It's definitely an honor and I'm super grateful. I'm glad to be a part of the team."
The Rangers will be represented by reliever Kirby Yates and second baseman Marcus Semien at their home field, Globe Life Field.
The All-Star Game rosters are expanded from 26 to 32 players, including starters elected by fans, 17 players chosen in a player vote, and six players selected by league officials. Each club must have at least one representative.
Among the 15 teams with just one representative, the Minnesota Twins, who had shortstop Carlos Correa named an AL reserve, boast the best record. The Seattle Mariners, leading the AL West, also have one All-Star: right-hander Logan Gilbert. First baseman Pete Alonso, a two-time Home Run Derby champion, is the New York Mets' only player chosen.
Lone Representatives: Various teams have single representatives such as Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Los Angeles Angels' left-hander Tyler Anderson, Oakland Athletics' Mason Miller, Chicago White Sox's left-hander Garrett Crochet, Tampa Bay Rays' third baseman Isaac Paredes, St. Louis Cardinals' closer Ryan Helsley, Chicago Cubs' left-hander Shota Imanaga, Miami Marlins' reliever Tanner Scott, Washington Nationals' shortstop CJ Abrams, De La Cruz, Arizona Diamondbacks' second baseman Ketel Marte, and Colorado Rockies' infielder Ryan McMahon.
With so much young talent and exciting matchups, the 2024 MLB All-Star Game is sure to be a memorable one. Mark your calendars for July 16 and get ready to see the future stars of baseball shine bright on one of the biggest stages.
Login