The Lone Star State is set to shine bright with baseball’s finest as the 2024 MLB All-Star Game takes center stage at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. This year’s Midsummer Classic isn’t just a showcase of raw talent; it’s a captivating narrative of rookies defying expectations, veterans cementing their legacies, and the ever-evolving landscape of America’s favorite pastime. The 94th edition of this iconic event promises not only thrilling on-field action but also a week-long extravaganza of events celebrating the sport’s past, present, and future.

The Philadelphia Phillies, with their league-best record, lead the charge with a historic seven All-Star selections, a testament to their remarkable depth and talent. Hot on their heels, the Los Angeles Dodgers boast six All-Stars, further solidifying the National League’s star power. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians, a surprise contender, lead the American League with five All-Stars, proving that grit and determination can rival big-market muscle. These rosters aren’t just a collection of names; they’re a microcosm of the league’s exciting present and promising future. Now, get ready to witness a clash where established powerhouses meet the next generation of stars and history intertwines with the promise of what’s to come.

2024 MLB All-Star Game American League Roster: A fusion of power, speed, and youthful exuberance

AL Starters: Judge’s return, Henderson’s ascent

• C: Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles)

• 1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)

• 2B: Jose Altuve (Houston Astros)

• 3B: José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians)

• SS: Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles)

• OF: Aaron Judge and Juan Soto (New York Yankees), Steven Kwan (Cleveland Guardians)

• DH: Yordan Alvarez (Houston Astros)

The AL starters showcase a mix of familiar powerhouses and emerging phenoms. Aaron Judge, the reigning home run king, makes his grand return after a year’s hiatus to the All Star game due to injury, alongside fellow Yankee slugger Juan Soto. Meanwhile, José Ramírez, a perennial All-Star, anchors the infield with his consistent excellence.

Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson represent a new generation of talent. Rutschman becomes the first Orioles catcher to start since 1987, while Henderson, at 23, is the youngest AL shortstop starter in decades. Interestingly, the Guardians’ resurgence isn’t solely fueled by established stars like José Ramírez. Their roster boasts a trio of first-time All-Stars: Josh Naylor, Steven Kwan, and the heartwarming underdog story of David Fry, the hometown boy making good and leading the league in batting average, adding his unique contact-hitting style to the lineup. But the AL’s depth doesn’t stop at the starting nine. The bench is just as stacked with talent, ready to make their mark when called upon.

AL Reserves: Rise of Correa and Witt Jr.

• C: Salvador Perez (Kansas City Royals)

• 1B: Josh Naylor (Cleveland Guardians)

• 2B: Marcus Semien (Texas Rangers)

• 3B: Rafael Devers (Boston Red Sox—injured, replaced by Baltimore Orioles’ Jordan Westburg), Isaac Paredes (Tampa Bay Rays)

• SS: Carlos Correa (Minnesota Twins), Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals)

• OF: Kyle Tucker (Houston Astros), Jarren Duran (Boston Red Sox), Riley Greene (Detroit Tigers)

• UTL: David Fry (Cleveland Guardians)

The AL reserves feature a blend of established veterans and exciting young talent. Salvador Perez, a nine-time All-Star, adds his veteran presence behind the plate. The infield boasts a mix of power and defense, with players like Carlos Correa, Josh Naylor, and Bobby Witt Jr. bringing a combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess. The outfield reserves, including Jarren Duran and Riley Greene, represent the next generation of AL stars. While the AL’s bats are primed for a Texas-sized offensive showcase, the question remains: who will take the mound to tame these sluggers?

AL Pitchers: Young arms, Veteran savvy

• Starters (Predicted): Tyler Anderson (Los Angeles Angels), Corbin Burnes (Baltimore Orioles), Garrett Crochet (Chicago White Sox), Logan Gilbert (Seattle Mariners), Tanner Houck (Boston Red Sox), Seth Lugo & Cole Ragans (Kansas City Royals), Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers)

• Relievers: Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians), Clay Holmes (New York Yankees), Mason Miller (Oakland Athletics), Kirby Yates (Texas Rangers)

The AL pitching staff features a blend of youth and experience. Seven pitchers are first-time All-Stars, including rising stars like Skubal, Ragans, and Crochet, potential Cy Young contenders, while veterans like Corbin Burnes and Emmanuel Clase bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the mound. This diverse mix promises a thrilling pitching duel. But the Lone Star State showdown isn’t just an AL affair. The National League is bringing its own brand of firepower, with a roster that’s equally impressive.

2024 MLB All-Star Game National League Roster: Phillies’ dominance & Dodgers’ depth

NL Starters: Philly Phenoms, Ohtani’s Dual Threat

• C: William Contreras (Milwaukee Brewers)

• 1B: Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)

• 2B: Ketel Marte (Arizona Diamondbacks)

• 3B: Alec Bohm (Philadelphia Phillies)

• SS: Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies)

• OF: Jurickson Profar & Fernando Tatis Jr. (Inactive) (San Diego Padres), Christian Yelich (Milwaukee Brewers)

• DH: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)

The Phillies, boasting the league’s best record, dominate the NL starting lineup with three infielders: Bryce Harper (pending his hamstring recovery), Trea Turner, and Alec Bohm. Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenomenon, continues to redefine the game as the starting DH. Jurickson Profar’s unexpected resurgence earns him a starting outfield spot alongside the electrifying Fernando Tatis Jr. (although injury will keep him out of the game), while Ketel Marte’s consistent excellence solidifies his place at second base. Now, beyond the starters, the NL boasts a deep bench, ready to provide a spark and make their presence felt in Arlington.

NL Reserves: ‘Will’ Smith, or won’t, with Freeman in the lead?

• C: Will Smith (Los Angeles Dodgers)

• 1B: Pete Alonso (New York Mets), Luis Arraez (San Diego Padres), Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)

• 3B: Ryan McMahon (Colorado Rockies)

• SS: Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers) (Injured, replaced by Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds)

• OF: Teoscar Hernández (Los Angeles Dodgers), Jackson Merrill (San Diego Padres), Heliot Ramos (San Francisco Giants), Bryan Reynolds (Pittsburgh Pirates)

• DH: Marcell Ozuna (Atlanta Braves)

The NL reserves showcase a diverse mix of talent. Elly De La Cruz, a rising star with electrifying speed and power, adds an element of excitement to the lineup. Luis Arraez, a batting champion contender, provides consistency at the plate. The Dodgers’ contingent, including Freddie Freeman and Will Smith, further strengthens the NL’s offensive depth. But as with any MLB All-Star Game, the pitching matchup is where the drama truly unfolds. The NL boasts a formidable staff, ready to silence the AL’s powerful bats.

NL Pitchers: Skenes’ meteoric rise

• Starters (Predicted): Tyler Glasnow (Los Angeles Dodgers) (Injured, replaced by Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds), Shota Imanaga (Chicago Cubs), Reynaldo López & Chris Sale (Atlanta Braves), Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates), Ranger Suárez & Zack Wheeler (Inactive) (Philadelphia Phillies), Logan Webb (San Francisco Giants)

• Relievers: Ryan Helsley (St. Louis Cardinals), Jeff Hoffman & Matt Strahm (Philadelphia Phillies), Tanner Scott (Miami Marlins), Robert Suarez (San Diego Padres)

The NL pitching staff boasts a mix of established aces and exciting newcomers. Paul Skenes, a rookie sensation and the first player to be selected after being drafted first overall, headlines the group. Chris Sale, an eight-time All-Star, brings veteran experience to the mound. The Phillies dominate the pitching staff, with four pitchers representing the City of Brotherly Love. Alongside Skenes, the NL boasts a mix of first-timers and established names, including Chris Sale, making his eighth All-Star appearance, and Ryan Helsley, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier closers. Now, remember that the star-studded lineups and pitching rotations aren’t simply chosen by MLB executives behind closed doors. The fans and players themselves have a say in who gets to shine under the Texas sun.

All-Star Voting: A testament to fan and player appreciation

The selection process for the All-Star Game includes a medley of fan voting that determines the starting lineups, while players, managers, and coaches vote for pitchers and reserves. This collaborative approach ensures that the rosters represent a blend of popular appeal and expert evaluation.

In the American League, Aaron Judge led all players with a staggering 3,425,309 fan votes, solidifying his status as one of the game’s most beloved figures. Other AL starters garnered significant support, including Adley Rutschman (622 votes) and Gunnar Henderson (665 votes), showcasing the fans’ appreciation for rising stars.

On the National League side, Bryce Harper topped the voting charts with 3,277,920 votes, highlighting his enduring popularity despite recent injury struggles. The Phillies’ strong showing in the voting reflects their dominant performance this season, with Trea Turner (51% of the votes, exact count unrevealed) and Alec Bohm (639 votes) also earning starting nods.

The player-voting process also revealed some interesting insights. In the AL, pitchers like Corbin Burnes (251 votes) and Tarik Skubal (248 votes) received strong support from their peers, while Emmanuel Clase (309 votes) emerged as the top vote-getter among relievers. In the NL, Ranger Suárez (276 votes) and Tyler Glasnow (262 votes) led the way for starting pitchers, while Matt Strahm (132 votes) topped the reliever category.

Unique narratives from the 2024 MLB All-Star Game

This year’s All-Star Game marks a pivotal moment in baseball history. The influx of young talent, such as Gunnar Henderson, Paul Skenes, and Elly De La Cruz, signifies a changing of the guard, with a new generation of stars ready to leave their mark on the game. The presence of veterans like Salvador Perez and Chris Sale provides a bridge to the sport’s storied past, ensuring a seamless transition between eras.

The Phillies’ unprecedented dominance, the Guardians’ unexpected rise, and the individual stories of players like David Fry and Jurickson Profar add layers of intrigue and excitement to this year’s Midsummer Classic. With a perfect blend of seasoned experience and youthful exuberance, the 2024 All-Star Game promises to be a historic clash that will captivate fans and shape the future of baseball for years to come. But while fan favorites and rising stars take the spotlight, the unsung heroes and the players’ picks tell a different, equally compelling story.

2024 MLB All-Star Game: The All-Star infirmary and the snubbed standouts—A tale of two rosters

The Midsummer Classic’s roster, a symphony of baseball brilliance, has hit a few sour notes this year. A wave of injuries has sidelined some of the game’s biggest stars, forcing a shuffle in the lineup and opening doors for new faces to shine.

The injured list

• Position Players:

• • • Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels): Torn meniscus
    • Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers): Fractured hand
    • Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies): Hamstring strain
    • Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres): Stress reaction in right thigh
    • Trevor Story (Boston Red Sox): Shoulder surgery
    • Michael Harris II (Atlanta Braves): Grade 2 hamstring strain
    • Kyle Tucker (Houston Astros): Right shin contusion
    • Kerry Carpenter (Detroit Tigers): Lumbar spine stress fracture
    • Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves): Torn ACL
    • Giancarlo Stanton (New York Yankees): Left hamstring strain

• Pitchers:

• • Justin Verlander (Houston Astros): Neck
  • Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers): Shoulder
  • Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers): Tommy John surgery
  • Blake Snell (San Francisco Giants): Groin
  • Spencer Strider (Atlanta Braves): Tommy John surgery
  • Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins): Tommy John surgery
  • Félix Bautista (Baltimore Orioles): Tommy John surgery
  • Liam Hendriks (Boston Red Sox): Tommy John surgery
  • David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates): Oblique
  • Robert Stephenson (Los Angeles Angels): Tommy John surgery
  • Jordan Romano (Toronto Blue Jays): Elbow
  • Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies): Back stiffness
  • Tyler Glasnow (Los Angeles Dodgers): Lower back tightness
  • Rafael Devers (Boston Red Sox): Shoulder soreness

The replacement heroes (to date)

• Elly De La Cruz (Cincinnati Reds): Replacing Mookie Betts (.2 BA, 15 HR, 45 SB)
• Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates): Replacing Zack Wheeler (5-0, 2.12 ERA, 78 K in 59.1 IP)
• Heliot Ramos (San Francisco Giants): Replacing Fernando Tatis Jr. (.902 OPS, 13 HR in 56 games)
• Jordan Westburg (Baltimore Orioles): Replacing Rafael Devers (.280 BA, 15 HR, 50 RBI)
• Hunter Greene (Cincinnati Reds): Replacing Tyler Glasnow (5-4, 3.45 ERA, 116 K)

The snubbed standouts

Beyond the injured list, a group of players watches the All-Star festivities with a mix of disappointment and determination. These are the players who, despite stellar performances, didn’t make the cut:

• Christian Walker (Arizona Diamondbacks): First baseman (.839 OPS, 22 HRs, 66 RBIs)
• Anthony Santander (Baltimore Orioles): Outfielder (.790 OPS, 23 HRs, 57 RBIs)
• George Kirby (Seattle Mariners): Pitcher (2023 All-Star, 3.39 ERA, 7-6, 109 K)
• Francisco Lindor (New York Mets): Shortstop (3.3 WAR, 16 HRs, 16 SBs)
• Masyn Winn (St. Louis Cardinals): Shortstop (.286 BA, .739 OPS)
• Brent Rooker (Oakland Athletics): Outfielder (.906 OPS, 18 HRs, 55 RBIs)
• Brice Turang (Milwaukee Brewers): Second baseman (.284 BA, .746 OPS)
• Craig Kimbrel (Baltimore Orioles): Pitcher (23 saves, 5-2, 2.10 ERA)
• Jake Irvin (Washington Nationals): Pitcher (3.13 ERA, 7-7, 96 K)
• Jesse Chavez (Atlanta Braves): Pitcher (1.56 ERA)
• James Taillon (Chicago Cubs): Pitcher (2.99 ERA, 6-4)
• Manny Machado (San Diego Padres): Third baseman (12 HRs, .723 OPS, 50 RBIs)

These players’ performances haven’t gone unnoticed, and their absence from the All-Star roster is a reminder of the incredible depth of talent in the league. They’ll undoubtedly use this as motivation to shine in the second half of the season and prove their worth. However, it is important to remember that beyond the stats and the rosters, the All-Star Game is a celebration of baseball’s rich history and enduring appeal. And this year, Arlington is pulling out all the stops to make it an unforgettable experience.

2024 MLB All-Star Game Extravaganza: Beyond the diamond, a Texas-sized celebration

While the Midsummer Classic is the main event, All-Star Week in Arlington is shaping up to be a rootin’ tootin’ good time, a celebration of baseball that goes way beyond the diamond. From honoring the sport’s legends to showcasing cutting-edge technology and good ol’ fashioned fun, there’s something for everyone in this Texas-sized hoedown.

Tip your cap to the past; cheers to the future

The festivities kick off with a nod to the past, honoring the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in baseball. The HBCU Swingman Classic, a showcase of 50 talented student-athletes, not only celebrates their skills but also educates folks about the rich history of HBCU baseball programs—it’s a reminder that baseball ain’t just about the big leagues but about the heart and soul of communities across America. And as a tribute to the vibrant Latino community’s contributions to the sport, artist Juan Velazquez has unveiled a stunning mural, “Latino/a Baseball & Softball Dreams,” in Fort Worth, featuring local hero and former MLB All-Star Yovani Gallardo.

Looking towards the future, the Futures Game and MLB Draft put the spotlight on the next generation of baseball stars. These youngsters are the future of the game, and the Futures Skills Showcase, a brand new addition, adds a modern twist with video game-inspired challenges that’ll get the kids hootin’ and hollerin’.

Clydesdales, Celebrity Softball, and Robot Bartenders: A Wild West showdown of tradition and tech

The All-Star Celebrity Softball Game brings a touch of Hollywood to the heart of Texas. With former athletes, actors, and comedians trading their scripts for bats, it’s a guaranteed laugh riot. You never know who’s gonna hit a homer or trip over their own feet trying to catch a fly ball.

And speaking of good times, the Budweiser Clydesdales will be parading through the Fort Worth Stockyards, delivering that cold, golden brew to thirsty fans. It’s a classic American tradition that’s sure to get everyone in the spirit.

But hold on to your hats, folks, because MLB is throwin’ a curveball this year with robot bartenders at Globe Life Field. Yeah, you heard that right—robots slingin’ drinks! Some folks are excited about the efficiency, while others miss the friendly banter with a real bartender. Guess we’ll see how this experiment plays out.

‘Remember When?’: MLB Network and Topps’ throwback to trading card glory days

Remember those days of collecting baseball cards, trading with your buddies, and dreaming of being a big leaguer? MLB Network and Topps are bringing back that nostalgia with a special set of heroized trading cards featuring their on-air talent. It’s a cool way to connect with younger fans and give a nod to the good ol’ days. Each card even has a QR code that unlocks a digital comic book story—talk about a modern twist!

Do you feel it? That feeling of adrenaline and anticipation—one that indicates how this All-Star week is gonna be a home run for everyone!

From honoring the past to embracing the future, from celebrity showdowns to robotic bartenders, the 2024 MLB All-Star Week in Arlington is a home run for everyone. It’s a celebration of the sport we love, a testament to the spirit of competition, and a reminder that baseball is more than just a game—it’s a part of American culture that brings us all together. So grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, settle into your seat, and get ready for a week of unforgettable baseball moments.