On Sunday evening, Major League Baseball announced the complete rosters for the 2024 All-Star Game. The National League’s roster features some familiar names and superstars, but it’s also loaded with players making their first trip to the Mid-Summer Classic. The roster for the Senior Circuit includes 17 first-time all-stars.
In total, 10 pitchers on the National League staff are making their All-Star Game debut. That’s a remarkable number. The Philadelphia Phillies are the first team since the 2016 Cubs to have three infielders voted as starters in the All-Star Game.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have five position players and one pitcher heading to the game, but they didn’t have a player voted in as a start this year beyond their all-world designated hitter, Shohei Ohtani. There will be a tough decision for a starting pitcher in the National League, but a lot of fans are going to want a Pittsburgh Pirate to get the ball to open the game.
Catcher
Starter: William Contreras, BrewersReserves: Will Smith, Dodgers
Contreras was voted a starter for the first time in his career; this is his second all-star selection. Smith returns to the All-Star Game this year after a solid first half and will serve as the backup behind the dish.
First Base
Starter: Bryce Harper, PhilliesReserves: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers; Pete Alonso, Mets
This marks the eighth time Harper has been an all-star, and his seventh as a starter. Freeman is one of four Dodgers to find their way to the game in a reserve role. And Alonso, an annual fixture in the Home Run Derby, is the only player headed to the game from the Mets.
Second Base
Starter: Ketel Marte, DiamondbacksReserves: Ryan McMahon, Rockies; Luis Arraez, Padres
Marte has been voted a starter for the second time, but it’s been five years since his last All-Star Game. Arraez was traded from Miami to San Diego and has reminded a few Padres fans of Tony Gwynn with his ability to put balls in play every day. McMahon is the Rockies’ lone representative.
Shortstop
Starter: Trea Turner, PhilliesReserves: Mookie Betts, Dodgers; Elly De La Cruz, Reds; CJ Abrams, Nationals
Turner has been voted a starter for the second time in his career. This will be his third All-Star Game. This might be the most impressive position on the National League roster, especially considering that two players selected in the outfield are naturally shortstops (Merrill, Tatís). Betts is putting up MVP numbers again and De La Cruz leads the league in stolen bases.
Third Base
Starter: Alec Bohm, PhilliesBohm was voted the starter in his first career All-Star Game selection. The National League did not name a third base reserve to back up Bohm, but they have some positional flexibility with their shortstops and McMahon as well.
Outfield
Starters: Christian Yelich, Brewers; Jurickson Profar, Padres; Fernando Tatís Jr., PadresReserves: Teoscar Hernández, Dodgers; Jackson Merrill, Padres, Heliot Ramos, Giants; Bryan Reynolds, Pirates; Marcell Ozuna, Braves
Yelich will make his second start in his third All-Star Game appearance. Profar was once the top prospect in baseball, but has taken a long road since making his debut as a teenager in 2012 to his first all-star selection. Tatís has been voted a starter for the second time in his career. Ozuna, somehow, is the only Braves position player to make the game. Merrill made his major league debut in the middle of the first half and hasn’t stopped hitting since he arrived in San Diego.
Designated Hitter
Starter: Shohei Ohtani, DodgersThis is the fourth time Ohtani has been voted the starter in the All-Star Game, but his first in the National League. The National League did not specifically designate a back-up for the DH position, but they’re carrying eight outfielders so no doubt someone will get a plate appearance in place of Ohtani. But the new Dodger is chasing a potential triple crown this season.
Starting Pitchers
· Paul Skenes, Pirates· Ranger Suarez, Phillies
· Tyler Glasnow, Dodgers
· Shota Imanaga, Cubs
· Reynaldo Lopez, Braves
· Logan Webb, Giants
· Chris Sale, Braves
· Zack Wheeler, Phillies
The first six names on this list make their first all-star appearances. Skenes, the Pirates’ phenom, came up after the start of the season and has been a highlight reel every start. He’s off to a historic start. Imanaga is new to Major League Baseball after a strong career in Japan and has been very good for the Cubs. Lopez was a castaway this past winter who has been terrific for the Braves. Glasnow was an offseason addition in LA who has been fantastic for the Dodgers.
Relief Pitchers
· Ryan Helsey, Cardinals· Tanner Scott, Marlins
· Robert Suarez, Padres
· Matt Strahm, Phillies
· Jeff Hoffman, Phillies
Three Phillies pitchers make the All-Star Game, with two making their first appearances in the bullpen. Helsley has had the best first half for any closer in Cardinals history. Scott represents the Marlins after a dominant first half as well.
