Posted 3 days ago | By Matt Whitener
Although it is technically just an exhibition game –one that no longer ‘counts’— being selected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game is a distinction that carries some weight. But coming off a year where the Midsummer Classic was canceled for the first time since World War II, there are a number of would-be All-Stars whose dream of making the game has been deferred into the new year. Here’s a look at some of the best players in the game who are yet to make their All-Star debut, but are in position to change that in 2021.
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Yordan Alvarez, Astros
Two years ago, Alvarez put on one of the most surprising debut performances in recent history, invoking comparisons to a young Albert Pujols. In just 87 games, Alvarez won AL Rookie of the Year after hitting 27 home runs and producing a 1.067 OPS, which would have been behind only Christian Yelich & Mike Trout if he had enough at-bats. His 2020 was limited to only eight at-bats due to COVID-19 and a pair of knee surgeries. He will be returning as a full-time DH and if he can channel his previous form, an All-Star selection should be easily obtained.
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Ian Anderson, Braves
It was a small sample size (six starts), but Anderson showed he has front of the rotation stuff during his MLB debut in 2020. Over 32.1 innings, Ian Anderson struck out 41, produced a 1.95 ERA, and held opponents to a .172 average against. He’ll start his first full campaign as a prominent contender for NL Rookie of the Year.
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