These Chicago Cubs players could be headed to the All-Star Game

Chicago Cubs: Kris Bryant is the only position player lock for the All-Star Game

Only one position player on the Chicago Cubs is a shoo-in for the All-Star Game: Kris Bryant. Bryant has kept up his MVP-caliber play since day one and, barring an absurd drop-off in production, should be the starting third baseman. Realistically, he should be one of the starting outfielders given how much time he’s spending out there, but it doesn’t matter where he plays as long as he’s there.

Bryant currently has a slash line of .306/.386/.582 which is good for a 169 OPS+. Not only is that a stellar performance, it’s the best of his career thus far and good enough to place him in the top ten of nearly every major offensive category in the league. Let’s not forget, either; Bryant is insanely versatile, getting reps in at every outfield position as well as both corners of the infield.

While Bryant will surely find his way to Colorado come July, it’s hard to say the same for his partners in crime. Anthony Rizzo, despite a solid performance so far, is simply outclassed by the other first basemen on the ballot like Max Muncy and Rhys Hoskins. The same problem goes for Javier Baez and Willson Contreras, who may miss out on the game after making it in back-to-back seasons from 2018 to 2019. Of the two, I like Contreras a bit more given the stiff competition Baez has at shortstop.

I’d like to think Nico Hoerner could’ve made the team had he stayed healthy and gotten more playing time, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Overall, there haven’t been major, consistent performers on the offense outside of Bryant, but it’s good to see him back in form and silencing the doubters and it speaks to the team’s “next man up” mentality. However, if we’re looking for more Cubs to add to the All-Star roster, we need to check out the bullpen.

Chicago Cubs: No piece of the team has been better than the bullpen

The Chicago Cubs have built a Death Star out of their bullpen and it has been a major reason for their turnaround. Their performance throughout May was particularly inspiring as they combined for a 38 inning scoreless streak and were near the top of the league in everything from WAR and ERA to strikeout percentage. They have some options as far as potential All-Stars go.

The obvious one, of course, is their closer Craig Kimbrel who has successfully revived his career since a disastrous start in Chicago. He’s sporting a miniscule 0.75 ERA with 14 saves in 24 appearances so far, making him one of the most effective closers in the league. He also ranks ninth with 2.0 WPA, just above Gerrit Cole.

Kimbrel’s practically a lock for the All-Star Game, but at least one of his friends should join him. The three that have the best shot, from what we’ve seen so far, are likely Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin, and Dan Winkler.

All three have a compelling case to make it to Colorado, but I also tend to agree with Bleacher Nation that non-closers don’t get the same love with regards to All-Star nods. That said, if I had to pick one to get the nod, my gut says Winkler given that he’s literally only given up two runs so far.

We still have a short stretch to go before the All-Star break, but it looks like the Cubs are guaranteed a couple spots on the roster with the possibility of more if Rizzo, Contreras, or Baez get hot or any of the three relievers make it. All-in-all, it’s a solid showing for the team and one reflective of their play this season.