Being named a starting pitcher in the MLB All-Star Game is a prestigious accolade that signifies a player's dominance on the mound. Over the years, this honor has been bestowed upon legendary pitchers like Don Drysdale, Lefty Gomez, and Robin Roberts, each of whom had the distinction of starting five All-Star Games. Not far behind, Jim Palmer, Max Scherzer, and Randy Johnson each started four such games, cementing their status among baseball's elite.
As the 2024 MLB All-Star Game approaches, all eyes are on Globe Life Field, the home of the defending champions, the Texas Rangers. This venue will play host to an assembly of the league's most formidable arms, representing the pinnacle of pitching prowess across both leagues.
American League Standouts
The American League boasts a robust roster of starting pitchers this year, featuring talents like Tyler Anderson, Corbin Burnes, Garrett Crochet, Logan Gilbert, Tanner Houck, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Tarik Skubal. Among them, Seth Lugo stands out with a remarkable stat line. Leading the league in wins, ERA, and WAR, Lugo has pitched the most innings, showcasing an endurance and skillset that has transformed him from a reliever into an ace.
Previously utilized primarily from the bullpen during his last five years with the Mets, Seth Lugo transitioned to a full-time starting role with the Padres last season. The Royals subsequently signed him to a two-year deal in the offseason, a decision that has paid off immensely as Lugo continues to impress at age 34. "Was mostly a reliever for his last five years with the Mets before going to full-time starting duties with the Padres last season. The Royals signed him to a two-year deal last offseason, and he's pitched like an ace all year, posting a career year at age 34. That's all kinds of fun," notes a seasoned fan.
Among the other standout performers, Crochet, Ragans, and Skubal have dominated the strikeout leaderboard, with Corbin Burnes—a former Cy Young winner—adding to the depth of the American League pitching squad. Logan Gilbert, scheduled to start next Sunday, brings additional reliability to the lineup.
National League Aces
The National League's starting pitchers are equally formidable, featuring Tyler Glasnow, Shota Imanaga, Reynaldo López, Chris Sale, Paul Skenes, Ranger Suárez, Logan Webb, and Zack Wheeler. Logan Webb stands out for leading in innings pitched and ranking seventh in ERA. Sánchez, meanwhile, has captured the National League's ERA title.
Chris Sale has also been a revelation, placing second in ERA while racking up wins and WHIP, not to mention ranking third in strikeouts. Tyler Glasnow, with his top-ranking strikeout numbers, further enhances an already stellar lineup.
The Phenomenon of Paul Skenes
One name that has garnered considerable attention is Paul Skenes. Making history as the first pitcher ever taken No. 1 overall to make the All-Star team the following season, Skenes has captivated the baseball world. Kicking off the season in Triple-A under the Pirates' cautious management, Skenes quickly showcased his potential with a 5-0 record, a 2.12 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 78 strikeouts over 59 1/3 innings. While he does not qualify for the ERA title due to his workload, his impact is undeniable.
"Think about Skenes facing Altuve, Soto, and Judge and tell me you'd rather someone else start. C'mon. This is dream-type stuff," exclaims a fervent supporter. Fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of Skenes facing formidable hitters like Jose Altuve, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge, with Yordan Alvarez waiting in the wings should anyone reach base. "We don't yet know the lineups, but even if Skenes only pitches one inning, he's liable to face something like Jose Altuve, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge, with Yordan Alvarez looming should anyone reach base," adds another expert.
As the countdown to the All-Star Game continues, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a showcase of pitching excellence. The stage is set at Globe Life Field, where the league's finest arms will go head-to-head, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. This year's game will no doubt contribute another memorable chapter to the storied history of MLB's midsummer classic.