Major League Baseball Announces All-Star Game Starters

It’s hard to believe we are already at the Major League Baseball All-Star Break already. The season continues to roll right along, with some big-time storylines in both leagues.

But, before the second half gets going and before the trade deadline approaches – the All-Star game will be played. Seattle is the host of the 2023 All-Star Game, and the starters for the game have been announced. Let’s start first in the American League.

Catcher: Jonah Heim, Texas Rangers

Heim won a close battle over another talented young catcher in, Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles. Heim has been solid with a .279 batting average, along with 11 home runs. He plays on MLB’s highest-scoring team, the Texas Rangers.

1st Base: Yandy Diaz, Tampa Bay Rays

Diaz will get his first start in an All-Star game. The Rays’ first baseman has been a big part of Tampa Bay, having the best record in baseball. Diaz leads the American League with a .407 on-base percentage. He had to be great to hold off Vladimir Guerrero for this spot.

2nd Base: Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers

This is the second start for Semien in the American League. He was the starter in 2021 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. He was able to beat out Blue Jays middle infielder Whit Merrifield for this spot.

3rd Base: Josh Jung, Texas Rangers

Another youngster from the Texas Rangers. Jung beat out Matt Chapman for the start and is the first Rangers rookie to start the All-Star game since 1972. Jung leads rookies in the American League in home runs and runs batted in, along with runs scored.

Shortstop: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers

Another Texas Ranger. This time the starting shortstop. This is actually Seager’s first chance to start in the game. He slugger missed 31 games this season but still has 44 runs batted in over 38 games. Seager beat out Bo Bichette of Toronto.

Outfielders: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels, Aaron Judge, New York Yankees and Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay Rays:

Trout is leading all of Major League Baseball, as this will be his 10th start. Trout has won the fan vote every year. The three-time MVP has 17 home runs this season. Arozarens will be making his first All-Star game start.

The 28-year-old Rookie of the Year in 2021 has 14 home runs and drove in 54 this season. Finally, Aaron Judge. The only question here – will be healthy enough to play in his fifth election. These three made it over Yordan Alvarez of Houston and Adolis Garcia of the Rangers.

Designed Hitter: Shohei Ohtana, Los Angeles Angels

Basically, Ohtani can pick his position. The Angels slugger cruised in this spot over Brandon Belt of Toronto.

Now, turn your attention to the National League:

Catcher: Sean Murphy, Atlanta Braves

The Braves’ backstop will get his first start in an All-Star Game. He was a winner over the Dodgers’ Will Smith. Murphy is hitting .289 for the NL East-leading Braves.

1st Base: Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers

This is the fourth time Freeman will be playing in an All-Star Game. Freeman leads baseball with 27 doubles and has played in every game. This was a battle against Braves first baseman Matt Olson, who replaced Freeman following his departure for Los Angeles.

2nd Base: Luis Arraez, Miami Marlins

Arraez, after winning the batting title in the American League, is winning this time in the National League. He was about to beat out Ozzie Albies of the Braves, who is also having a strong season.

3rd Base: Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals

A season ago, Arenado lost the battle to start the game to Manny Machado. Arenado later had back issues and could now make the game. This will be his 5th start and 8th time in the game. Arenado beat out Austin Riley of Atlanta for this spot.

Shortstop: Orlando Arcia, Atlanta Braves

With the victors go the spoils. That’s Arcia and his chance to start at shortstop for the National League. The veteran, though, has been solid with a .303 batting average. Other guys in consideration here would be Francisco Lindor, Xander Bogaerts, Trae Turner, and Dansby Swanson.

Outfielders: Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves, Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks

Acuna and Betts are no strangers to this game. It will be the third start for Acuna and the fourth for Betts. Both are putting up great numbers.

The third is Corbin Carroll, who is a rookie from Arizona with 17 home runs, 24 stolen bases, and 60 runs scored. These three guys won over Michael Harris II of Atlanta and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. of Arizona.

Designated Hitter: J.D. Martinez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Martinez beat up Bryce Harper for this spot and will now get his second start in the All-Star Game.

The rest of the 2023 All-Star Game rosters, including pitchers, have been announced, but expect several changes as players opt out, or are forced to miss due to injuries.