Each team gets at least one representative. Which Reds will make it to the All-Star Game in Seattle?
Nick's Predictions
Losing teams often only get one All-Star (Luis Castillo was the lone representative last year) and the Reds will likely fall into that category. However, I think there are paths for three All-Stars in 2023.
Alexis Diaz
Diaz already has a lot of buzz for 2023 after his impressive rookie season and as a result of his brotherly connection to elite closer Edwin Diaz of the Mets. Buzz means attention and attention can mean All-Star. Pitchers are not selected through a fan vote, but instead a player ballot and by the Commissioner's office. Everyone will love the story of Alexis avenging his fallen brother. I think he lives up to the hype and gets the selection.
Jonathan India
India is looking to perform in line with his 2021 rookie of the year campaign and I think he does that. With Jazz Chisholm moving to CF and Tommy Edman moving to SS, the second base field is pretty thin in the National League. Ozzie Albies or Jeff McNeil will likely get the starting job, but injuries and opt-outs always happen, and I think India either wins the fan vote due to performance or is added as an injury replacement.
Tyler Stephenson
Stephenson was on an All-Star track in 2022. Even after suffering early season injuries and missing almost a month of play before voting concluded, Stephenson was 5th among NL catchers at the end of phase 1 voting. There is tough competition in the NL (Realmuto, Smith, Murphy, the Contreras brothers) but I think he finds a way to Seattle for the All-Star festivities.
Honorable Mention: Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo
Zack's Predictions
Tyler Stephenson
I have a lot of faith in Stephenson as an offensive catcher, which is what you need to be to earn an All-Star nod. When he is healthy, there has never been any doubt about his ability to hit Major League pitching. He has a mature approach with serious power, and his presence in the middle of the Reds order looks to be steady given the plans for his usage this season. I think the Reds will produce runs with decent regularity, meaning plenty of RBI chances for Stephenson. With a revitalized India and an OBP machine Votto in front of him, I think Tyler Stephenson has a real chance to be a top-3 catcher in the National League.
Joey Votto
We are hoping that a bounce-back season for Joey is in store, and he expects this for himself. We must not forget that as recently as 2021, Votto hit 36 HR, drove in 99 runs, and received MVP votes. It’s still in there, and the recent banning of the shift should only serve Votto’s career .297 batting average. Not to mention a repaired shoulder that might keep him sidelined temporarily, but stronger when he does appear.
Even if his stats aren’t stellar, there is still a path for Votto to earn his 7th All-Star nod. Beginning last year, baseball’s commissioner chooses a player from each league to serve as an “All-Star Legends Selection.” Last season, it was Miguel Cabrera in the American League and Albert Pujols in the National League. Although Pujols had a strong swan-song season, neither of these players’ stats would have warranted a typical All-Star appearance. This selection process is a fine way to honor a player with a last hurrah of sorts, recognizing some of the game’s greats.
With Votto’s quirkiness and social media presence, and the fact his career is likely soon coming to an end, he would be a perfect option for this role. It is still yet to be determined if this is Votto’s last season or last season in Cincinnati. According to the man himself, if he does not play well, he intends to retire. So, the pressure is on, but I expect Joey to have an above-average age 39 season.
Honorable Mention: Alexis Diaz, Nick Lodolo, Wil Myers
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