The 2018 MLB All-Star Game is just under a month away, and there’s still time to vote for your favorite players. This is who I believe should make the All-Star team as of now, with some changes from the original version when the balloting opened to start the month.

 

National League

 

1. CF Lorenzo Cain (Brewers)

Lorenzo Cain is a new addition to the lineup, as he’s been a catalyst for one of the best teams in the National League this season. Cain has a career-high .393 on-base percentage this season, and he has swiped 15 bags on the year. And he plays Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field.

 

2. 2B Scooter Gennett (Reds)

The Reds are again one of the worst teams in baseball, but Scooter Gennett is doing his part in the lineup. His .336 average is fourth in the NL, and his smooth lefty stroke would look good in the two-hole for a powerful lineup.

 

3. 1B Freddie Freeman (Braves)

Especially with some others like Brandon Belt falling far behind statistically, Freddie Freeman is an easy choice for first base in the National League.

 

4. 3B Nolan Arenado (Rockies)

Nolan Arenado has cooled off a bit this month, but he’s still hitting .310 and plays great defense at third base. Kris Bryant and others are going to have to heat up to catch him, but it’s probably too late with Arenado far ahead in the fan voting.

 

5. DH Matt Kemp (Dodgers)

The throwback season for Matt Kemp continues, as he’s been really comfortable back with the Dodgers this season. He’ll probably end up getting voted in as an outfielder.

 

6. RF Nick Markakis (Braves)

It’s good to see that Nick Markakis is a near lock to make his first All-Star team. He’s been one of the game’s most consistent players over the years.

 

7. SS Trevor Story (Rockies)

Trea Turner, because of his elite base-running ability, was the choice last time, but Trevor Story is on fire this month and deserves the slight nod over Turner, Brandon Crawford, and others. The voting favors Crawford at this point, however.

 

8. C J.T. Realmuto (Marlins)

J.T. Realmuto is hitting over .300 this season, but the Marlins’ struggles have hurt his All-Star bid. The popular Buster Posey will likely end up with the nod.

 

9. LF Odubel Herrera (Phillies)

Brycer Harper, who leads the NL in home runs with 19, is hard to keep off the All-Star team. He could make it over both Odubel Herrera and Lorenzo Cain, but it’s hard to get past his average (now at .217) continuing to drop. Herrera rounds out this lineup at the bottom of the order.

 

 

American League

 

1. RF Mookie Betts (Red Sox)

He missed some time with an injury, but Mookie Betts has still slugged 18 home runs this season and is hitting .340. He’s an All-Star lock.

 

2. CF Mike Trout (Angels)

The best player in the league is obviously an All-Star lock, too.

 

3. 2B Jose Altuve (Astros)

The American League is pretty stacked, as Jose Altuve is also going to make the All-Star team (deservedly so).

 

4. SS Manny Machado (Orioles)

Jean Segura is having a great season at shortstop for the Mariners, a team that is much better than the Orioles, but Manny Machado gets the slight nod here.

 

5. DH J.D. Martinez (Red Sox)

There are many good designated hitters in the American League, but J.D. Martinez continues to be a steal for Boston as a late offseason signing.

 

6. 3B Jose Ramirez (Indians)

Jose Ramirez’s average has dropped from over .300 to start the month to .288 now, but it’s still a very good average, and he’s popped 21 homers this season.

 

7. 1B Jose Abreau (White Sox)

The power surprisingly hasn’t been there recently for Jose Abreau, and his average is down to .284, but he’s still played well enough for an All-Star spot this season.

 

8. LF Eddie Rosario (Twins)

Eddie Rosario is lighting it up this month, and he’s now up to .321 and 16 home runs for a Twins team that’s sticking around.

 

9. C Wilson Ramos (Rays)

Gary Sanchez is hitting only .192, but Wilson Ramos is in a battle with him for the catcher spot in the American League. I think Ramos, who has only five less home runs with an average nearly .100 points better, should get it.