Meet the All-Stars:
Capsules and stats for the American and National League teams.
Statistics through July 8.
C Wilson Ramos, Rays
Appearance: Second. Age: 30
Why he’s an All-Star: Ramos, the former National who tore his anterior cruciate ligament a week before the 2016 NL Division Series, returns to Washington. An All-Star and Silver Slugger in 2016, Ramos is one of the more productive offensive catchers, leading AL backstops in batting and second in OPS (.802). Fun fact: Ramos worked Max Scherzer’s two no-hitters and his 20-strikeout game.
1B Jose Abreu, White Sox
Appearance: Second. Age: 31
Why he’s an All-Star: Despite a June slump, he leads AL first basemen with 50 RBI and is fifth with a .762 OPS.
Fun facts: Abreu is the first White Sox player to be voted by the fans into the All-Star Game since Frank Thomas in 1996 and just the sixth in franchise history. This is Abreu’s first appearance since his rookie year of 2014.
2B Jose Altuve, Astros
Appearance: Sixth. Age: 28 Why he’s an All-Star: With a majors-best 122 hits, the reigning AL MVP is on pace for his fifth consecutive 200-hit season.
Fun fact: Altuve logged 1,272 hits in his first 1,000 games. Of the 25 players ever to collect more in that span, 18 are in the Hall of Fame.
3B Jose Ramirez, Indians
Appearance: Second. Age: 25
Why he’s an All-Star: Ramirez is making a strong case for the AL MVP up against Mike Trout and Mookie Betts. Since May 1, Ramirez has slugged 17 homers, putting him on a 50homer pace. He is one of five players with at least 20 home runs (24) and doubles (25) and ranks sixth in the majors in OPS (.985). Fun fact: In 2017, Ramirez finished third in AL MVP voting behind Altuve and Aaron Judge.
SS Manny Machado, Orioles
Appearance: Fourth. Age: 26
Why he’s an All-Star: After his first five full seasons as a Gold Glove third baseman, Machado
leads a deep position in OPS (.943).
Fun fact: He’s the brotherin-law to Indians first baseman Yonder Alonso.
OF Mookie Betts, Red Sox
Appearance: Third. Age: 25 Why he’s an All-Star: An AL MVP candidate, Betts is the ultimate leadoff hitter with bona fide power. Betts is known for his acrobatic catches and leads the league in both batting average, slugging percentage and OPS. Fun fact: He was named after former NBA point guard Mookie Blaylock and the nephew to former MLB player Terry Shumpert.
OF Mike Trout, Angels
Appearance: Seventh. Age: 27
Why he’s an All-Star: Trout is considered the best position player in the majors and is threatening to win his third AL MVP. He’s threatening to surpass Babe Ruth for the greatest Wins Above Replacement season ever produced.
Fun fact: Trout has made the All-Star team every year since his rookie season in 2012.
OF Aaron Judge, Yankees
Appearance: Second. Age: 26
Why he’s an All-Star: Despite being slightly off his home run pace from last season, he’s on pace for a second consecutive 40-homer, 100-RBI season.
Fun fact: Judge slugged 52 home runs in 2017, breaking Mark McGwire’s MLB rookie record of 49 and the Yankees’ full-season rookie record, previously held by Joe DiMaggio with 29.
DH J.D. Martinez, Red Sox
Appearance: Second. Age: 30
Why he’s an All-Star: Martinez is a Triple Crown threat who has proven he’s the best free agent signing in the offseason. He leads the majors in homers, RBI and total basesand ranks fourth in the AL in batting. Fun fact: Martinez became the 18th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game in 2017. ❚ Manager: A.J. Hinch,
Houston Astros