Mookie Betts
There’s plenty of competition for the outfield spots but how do you not include the reigning MVP?
Mookie Betts has seen his production at the plate fall off this season. The 2018 batting champion is hitting only .261 this season as opposing pitchers have made a concerted effort to pitch him down and away to prevent him from pulling the ball with authority. His league-leading slugging percentage from last year has fallen nearly 200 points to .459.
He’s not having the MVP-caliber season he had last year but his numbers as very similar to 2017 when he made the All-Star team despite what was considered a down year.
Betts still gets on base at a healthy clip with a .379 OBP and he leads the league with 64 runs scored. He’s one of the rare hitters who walks more than the strikes out.
He remains an elite defensive right fielder and base runner, which explains why he ranks third among AL outfielders with 2.9 WAR despite his shortcomings at the plate.
Betts doesn’t deserve to start the game but his solid overall production, track record and popularity should be enough to warrant a spot on the All-Star team.