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Five under-the-radar players who deserve MLB All-Star nod

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If we’re being honest, predicting MLB All-Star rosters isn’t that difficult. For the most part, the rosters pick themselves. Of course, whether they’re young players who are first-time All-Stars or long-time veterans who have suddenly come alive, there are always at least a few surprises. Plus, with only a finite number of spots, All-Star rosters are not without a little bit of controversy. Let’s try to anticipate some of that controversy with a few bold MLB All-Star predictions 2021. 

MLB All-Star predictions 2021

Adam Frazier, Pirates

Adam Frazier’s numbers aren’t going to blow anyone away, but the lowly Pirates need to have one representative at the All-Star Game, so it might as well be Frazier.

The veteran is having a career year, currently batting .332 with an OPS of .865. It’s a shame that more people haven’t noticed what a great season he’s having in Pittsburgh. Sending Frazier to the All-Star Game will help make up for that.

Juan Soto, Nationals

On the surface, Juan Soto probably doesn’t have the kind of numbers that will make him a bonafide all-star.

A shoulder injury and a stint on the IL slowed him down after a fast start in April. Overall, his numbers are subpar compared to his first three seasons in the majors. However, Soto is such a big name nowadays that he’s bound to find his way to the All-Star Game one way or another.

For a last-place team, the Nats have an unusual number of all-star candidates, with Soto being one of them.

       

Alex Verdugo, Red Sox

Needless to say, the likes of J.D. Martinez and Xander Bogaerts are getting most of the credit for Boston’s turnaround this year.

But how about a little bit of all-star love for Alex Verdugo, who has quietly become a key part of the team’s core?

Even if his numbers pale in comparison to a couple of his teammates, Verdugo is playing every day and on pace to double his career home run total. He’s only 25 and should be getting a lot more attention as one of the rising stars in baseball, which is why Verdugo warrants all-star consideration.

Rich Hill, Rays

Unfortunately for Rich Hill, he had a dreadful start to the season, which is why his numbers don’t match up compared to the elite pitchers in the American League who will be no-brainers to make the All-Star Team.

But if you look at what he’s done since the start of May, there’s no question that the 41-year-old Hill should be an all-star for the first time.

In his seven starts since the start of May, Hill has yielded just three runs on 19 hits over 39.2 innings. That’s an insane stretch that should almost make him a Cy Young candidate much less an all-star.

Ian Kennedy, Rangers

Since he plays on a last-place team, most people haven’t noticed that Ian Kennedy is having an outstanding season as the closer in Texas.

He’s rocking a 2.53 ERA and has the third-most saves in the American League.

Again, that’s while playing for a last-place team that needs at least one representative at the All-Star Game. Why shouldn’t it be Kennedy?

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