With yesterday’s announcement of the top two vote-getters from each league–Los Angeles Angels, Shohei Ohtani, representing the American League (AL), and the Atlanta Braves, Ronald Acuna Jr., representing the National League (NL)–the first two All-Star Game participants have been set.
Red Sox All-Stars in 2023
What was noticeable about yesterday’s announcement was there were not any Boston Red Sox players among the top vote-getters. That does not mean, however, the Red Sox will not be represented. The commissioner’s office ensures that at least one representative from each team will be at the All-Star Game. That being said, who are the most likely candidates to represent the Red Sox?
Masataka Yoshida
The quasi-rookie phenom is leading the team in average (.304), is third on the team in RBI (39), and has a fielding percentage of .972. Yoshida has also played the Green Monster very effectively. He also has two outfield assists this season. Unlike his NL counterparts, who only have two starting slots left because Acuna has already been named, Yoshida has a better chance of being named an outfielder because he’s in the AL.
Alex Verdugo
Not to be outdone by Yoshida, Alex Verdugo is also having an incredible season. Verdugo is second on the team in average (.303), and fourth on the team in RBI (31). He also has five assists on the season. Verdugo has played primarily right field and has done a near-perfect job, with a fielding percentage of .994. At Fenway, playing right field is no easy task, but Verdugo has made it look easy. Just like Yoshida, he also has the benefit of being in the American League. This will allow for a greater chance at an outfield position, even if it’s not a starting position.
Rafael Devers
Probably the most likely of the three to be named an All-Star, based on popularity alone, is Rafael Devers. He could be named as either a third baseman or a designated hitter. He leads the team in home runs (17) and is in the top ten in the majors (ninth), in that category. Devers is also tied for first in RBI in all of MLB (58). While his average is fairly low (.238), being among the top ten in two offensive categories in all of baseball bodes well for him. Also, of the three Red Sox candidates, Devers has the lowest fielding percentage (.955).
A Dark Horse Candidate: Justin Turner
When it comes to the All-Star Game a lot of things factor into the decision of who gets picked especially at each position. A scenario could play out where because of better prospects at the outfield and third base positions, Turner gets picked as either a designated hitter or second baseman. Turner is second on the team in home runs (11). He is third on the team in batting average behind Yoshida and Verdugo (.284). Also, Turner is, currently, second on the team, behind Devers in RBI (40). He has also been a jack of all trades for the Red Sox this season. Turner has spent time at four different positions, with an average fielding percentage of .961. At the age of 38, Turner is still performing at a high level and it would be nice to see an aging ballplayer be recognized for their overall performance.
Takeaway
The answer to the question of who will represent the Red Sox at this year’s All-Star Game is not an easy one. What will play an important factor is the depth at other positions, which may dictate who will be selected from the Red Sox. However, it would be surprising not to see at least one of these deserving players at the 2023 Mid-Summer Classic.
Photo Credit: © Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned:
Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr., Masataka Yoshida, Alex Verdugo, Rafael Devers, Justin Turner
