As summer begins to set in, the Philadelphia Phillies have the best record in all of baseball. With the weather now hitting 80 degrees and up, one can’t help but think of the mid-summer classic, the MLB All-Star Game.
Voting for the positional starters opens up Wednesday, June 5th at noon EST.
The Phillies could send their most players to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, since 2011 when they had 5 All-Stars (Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Plácido Polanco, and Shane Victorino).
Who on the Phillies could be getting an All-Star nod in 2024?
Ranger Suárez
With one of the best starts in Phillies history, Ranger Suárez could be a lock for the All-Star game, barring injury or implosion.
He leads the league in ERA (1.70), pitching wins (9), WHIP (0.797), hits per 9 innings (5.2), and ERA+ (235). He was the NL pitcher of the month in April. He was the first pitcher since HoFer Juan Marichal in 1966 to start 9-0 with a sub-1.50 ERA.
He had one bad start on the road in Denver, Colorado, a known graveyard for pitchers. You know you’re having a crazy season when his ERA through 12 games isn’t far off from Grover Cleveland Alexander in 1916.
Zack Wheeler
Usually, when we talk about Phillies aces, we refer to Zack Wheeler. In 2024, he’s been fantastic, just not otherworldly like Ranger.
He leads the National League in innings pitched (80.2) and he’s 3rd in ERA (2.23). He is only behind Tyler Glasnow of the Dodgers in terms of NL strikeouts at 91. If things continue in this direction, Wheeler should be selected to his 2nd career All-Star Game.
Cristopher Sánchez
Just like 2011, don’t be surprised if the Phillies have 3 starters selected. Cristopher Sánchez has been better than anyone could’ve predicted. He’s added over 2 MPH to his fastball with fantastic results.
When he goes at least 6 innings, Sánchez has posted a 1.42 ERA. He hasn’t allowed a homer in 41 innings, the longest streak by a National League starter this season.
Overall, he has a 2.71 ERA in 66.1 IP. He probably won’t make it…this season.
Matt Strahm/Jeff Hoffman
Why block Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman together? Because realistically the Phillies will not have more than 1 reliever on the All-Star team roster, regardless of worthiness. Many teams from the bottom of the league will have a reliever selected as their mandatory All-Star representative. Couple that with mainly closers being selected and there might not be much room for a Phillies reliever.
If they do get one, both Strahm and Hoffman are more than worthy. Jeff Hoffman hasn’t allowed an earned run since his 1st appearance of the season. He has a 0.72 ERA and has struck out 35 batters in 25 IP.
Jeff Hoffman has a 1.01 ERA on the season. He struck out 34 in 26.2 IP. Even though his numbers are slightly worse than Strahm’s, he might have a better chance as an All-Star nod. Hoffman has 5 saves and is, at least, a part-time closer.
Bryce Harper
Hello, Mr. NL Player of the Month for May.
The only thing surprising you’ll read about Bryce Harper here is that he has never played in an All-Star game representing the Phillies. He was selected in 2022 but didn’t play.
In May, Harper slashed .313/.407/.583 with 7 homers and 24 RBI. If he continues playing at his career numbers at least, he’ll actually be in the All-Star game come July.
JT Realmuto
It should be of no surprise that the (possibly former) B.C.I.B. (Best Catcher In Baseball) has been an All-Star 3 times and 2 times for the Phillies.
Until a week ago, JT Realmuto had a 17-game hitting streak going in which he slashed .351/.385/.527. He set a new record for a hitting streak by a Phillies catcher. Although he’s cooled off recently, another hot streak should propel him to the All-Star Game. Unless Phillies fans vote in droves, don’t expect him to start the game with catchers like Patrick Bailey and William Contreras hitting well.
Alec Bohm
Alec Bohm could realistically start the MLB All-Star Game at 3rd base.
Is he having a great year? Yes, but, more importantly, most NL third basemen have been underperforming. Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies might be his only competition. McMahon is slashing .280/.369/.463, while Bohm is slashing .296/.350/.481.
It will take some help from Phillies fans, but he has a great chance.
AP Photo/David Zalubowski
