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4 Chicago Cubs deserving of a 2023 All Star spot in Seattle
The 93rd rendition of the MLB All-Star Game will be played at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington on Tuesday, July 12. Balloting has not quite started, however, it is not ever too early to see who will be placed on the American and National League rosters.
To say the least, the Chicago Cubs have experienced a bumpy start to the season through 45 games. Sitting at 20-25, Chicago continues to stay close in an N.L. Central that sees the Milwaukee Brewers atop the standings.
Despite an under .500 record, there have been individual players who deserve consideration for making a Midsummer Classic appearance. Let's take a look.
Cody Bellinger, Centerfield
The former MVP isn't quite at where he used to be but still showing signs of an All-Star caliber player. Bellinger currently leads all N.L. centerfielders with 29 runs scored and has the third-most hits at 39, trailing his replacement, James Outman of the Los Angeles Dodgers by one.
Bellinger is batting .271, good for second-best among N.L. centerfielders. Bellinger is behind the Mets' Brandon Nimmo in that category.
More than likely, Bellinger will not earn a starting spot this season. There is a reason the Dodgers let Bellinger walk following the 2022 season. What also does not help his case is that he is on the 10-day injured list due to an ailing knee. Look for Cody Love to receive a little bit of attention on the ballot.
Nico Hoerner, Second Base
Although the Marlins' Luis Arraez has been on a tear behind the plate (.382 avg), Nico Hoerner has still been able to hold his own. Hoerner is fourth among N.L. second basemen with 29 runs scored. On the diamond, Hoerner has been efficient. In 171 total chances, Hoerner has committed just one error with a .949 fielding percentage.
The fifth-year veteran is third among N.L. second baseman with 103 assists. Hoerner can play both shortstop and second base, however, since Chicago's acquisition of Dansby Swanson, Hoerner has played primarily at second.
As mentioned above, it will be a competitive slot to fill for the starting spot with the likes of Ozzie Albies and Arraez. On the other hand, things can change. Players get injured and the fan vote sways in favor of more popular teams. Let's face it, the Cubs have a far superior fan base to Miami. Hoerner has the chance to sneak in as a reserve for a chance to play at T-Mobile Park in July.
Dansby Swanson, Shortstop
There are 177 million reasons Dansby Swanson should be earning a spot on the all-star roster. Swanson was the Cubs' big splash in free agency when he signed his 7-year deal last December. Currently, Swanson is second among N.L. shortstops in OPS (.783), third in slugging (.409), and in average (.267). Swanson is also the leader for on-base percentage Although it's not quite his 2022 campaign, Swanson continues to hold his own at short.
Let's face it, talent finds its way onto the all-star rosters, but it's also a little bit of a popularity contest. Every season, there are questionable additions to the roster. Fans consistently point out snubs left on the outside looking in. Let's be honest, Swanson may be one of these "big names" who find his way into the Midsummer Classic.
He is one of the most well-known shortstops, not just in the N.L., but in the entire MLB. Because of this, names like Francisco Lindor in New York may pose a threat to Swanson playing in Seattle. Brewers Willy Adames is also playing well with his glove.
Justin Steele, Starting Pitcher
Perhaps the most clear-cut, surefire candidate for a spot on the N.L. roster has been starting pitcher Justin Steele. Following an uneventful 2021 and 2022 seasons, Steele is beginning to take form. With still over a month away from the Midsummer Classic, Steele is in a three-way tie for first among N.L. starting pitchers with six wins. In 61.1 innings pitched, Steele has a 2.20 earned run average with 53 strikeouts and 16 walks. With two more wins, he will surpass his win total from the previous two seasons.
During his last start against a strong albeit underachieving Phillies team, Steele went 6 innings with six strikeouts and allowed no runs. Steele has maintained a tremendous amount of poise in his third season. As of now, it's a tossup for who will get the nod to start in Seattle.
Zac Gallen is off to a surprising start in Arizona, while Clayton Kershaw appears to have something left in the tank. More than likely, Steele will not start for the N.L., however, he would be the first Cubs' rotational pitcher to make the All-Star Game since Jon Lester in 2018.
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