The Nats are hanging around .500. Could this be the year they send more than two players back to the all-star game?
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It’s been five years since the Washington Nationals have had more than two representatives at the MLB All-Star Game.
Could this be the year that changes?
The Nationals, at 31-32, are off to their best start through 63 games since 2018. They are fueled by expected rising stars such as CJ Abrams and James Wood, but under-the-radar players have also stepped up to support this charge.
Phase one of MLB all-star voting opened Wednesday and runs through June 25. The two players who receive the most votes at each position (top six for outfielders) advance to phase two of voting, which runs from June 29 to July 2. The winner at each position earns a starting spot at the Midsummer Classic on July 14.
Position players not selected during the voting process and pitchers can earn a bid through the players’ ballot or be nominated by the Commissioner’s Office.
So who could take the field in Philadelphia for the Nationals next month? Here are their top contenders.
James Wood
Wood, who made his first All-Star Game last season, has the best chance. His 16 home runs are the most of any outfielder in the National League and eighth most overall. His OBP (.401) and walks (51) also rank first among outfielders, plus he’s in the top six for doubles (15), RBI (39) and slugging percentage (.527).
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Jordan Walker, Juan Soto, Brandon Marsh and Corbin Carroll are among his competition for the outfield spots.
CJ Abrams
Abrams, an all-star two years ago, is off to the best start of his career, hitting .288 with a .903 OPS and 12 home runs. Among National League shortstops, he ranks first in on-base percentage (.381), slugging percentage (.522), RBIs (47) and OPS.
He has a tough battle, with well-established stars such as Trea Turner and Elly De La Cruz in the same category, plus 20-year-old phenom Konnor Griffin. Defensively, Abrams isn’t as strong as the others, but that doesn’t always play into who is selected.
Jacob Young
When Nationals Manager Blake Butera pondered whom he’d like to make an all-star case for, Young was one of the players he made sure to emphasize.
Defensively, he’s a two-time Gold Glove finalist who’s already made stellar plays that make him a contender for that award yet again. Offensively, it’s harder to justify his selection, even as he has showcased more power with eight home runs, tied for 11th among National League outfielders. But some players usually opt out of all-star games, which means Young’s name could be called if enough people ahead of him drop out.
Pitchers
The Nationals have the fifth-highest ERA in baseball at 4.71. It’s not likely that any Nationals pitchers will be selected to the All-Star Game, but if they are, Orlando Ribalta (1.65 ERA in 16⅓ innings) or Brad Lord (2.58 ERA in 38⅓ innings) would be their top contenders.
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