Being named the starting pitcher for the MLB All-Star Game is a prestigious honor that solidifies a player's reputation as one of the best on the mound. Historically, icons like Don Drysdale, Lefty Gomez, and Robin Roberts have each started five All-Star Games, a record of sustained excellence few achieve. Jim Palmer, Max Scherzer, and Randy Johnson, each with four starts, also underscore the high bar set by past All-Star pitchers.
The upcoming 2024 MLB All-Star Game adds anticipation as it will be hosted by the Texas Rangers, the defending champions, at their home base, Globe Life Field. Fans are eagerly looking forward to a showcase of pitching brilliance from both leagues.
American League Starters
The American League roster boasts an array of talents ready to take the mound, including Tyler Anderson, Corbin Burnes, Garrett Crochet, Logan Gilbert, Tanner Houck, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Tarik Skubal. Logan Gilbert has the honor of starting next Sunday, providing an early taste of what fans can expect in the main event.
Seth Lugo stands out significantly this season. Leading the league in wins, ERA, WAR, and innings pitched, Lugo has made an incredible transition from a reliever with the Mets to a full-time starter with the Padres last season, following his signing with the Royals on a two-year deal last offseason. His performance at age 34 has been nothing short of spectacular. "He 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," enthused an MLB analyst.
Garrett Crochet, Cole Ragans, and Tarik Skubal have also been dominant, especially on the strikeout leaderboard, showcasing their ability to overpower hitters consistently. Corbin Burnes, known for his Cy Young-winning season, continues to add to his impressive résumé with his All-Star selection.
National League Starters
The National League lineup is equally formidable, featuring Tyler Glasnow, Shota Imanaga, Reynaldo López, Chris Sale, Paul Skenes, Ranger Suárez, Logan Webb, and Zack Wheeler. Logan Webb leads in innings pitched and ranks seventh in ERA, a testament to his durability and consistent performance.
Sánchez claims the ERA crown in the National League, further highlighting the depth of talent in this All-Star selection. Chris Sale follows closely, ranking second in ERA, leading in wins and WHIP, and placing third in strikeouts, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable arms in baseball. Tyler Glasnow, topping the strikeout charts, illustrates his dominance and ability to get batters swinging and missing at will.
Paul Skenes: A Rookie Phenomenon
Among the National League starters, Paul Skenes has garnered significant attention and rightfully so. As the first pitcher ever taken No. 1 overall to make the All-Star team the following season, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Starting the season in Triple-A under the Pirates' cautious management, Skenes has been exceptional in his debut season.
With a 5-0 record, a 2.12 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 78 strikeouts against just 12 walks over 59 1/3 innings, Skenes' numbers are impressive, even though he is not qualified for the ERA title due to workload. The excitement surrounding Skenes is palpable. "Think about Skenes facing Altuve, Soto, and Judge and tell me you'd rather someone else start. C'mon. This is dream-type stuff," said an excited commentator. The prospect of Skenes potentially facing a lineup featuring Jose Altuve, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge, with Yordan Alvarez looming, is the kind of scenario that dreams are made of. "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," added the commentator.
Anticipation Builds
As the 2024 MLB All-Star Game approaches, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. With a prestigious history of elite pitchers gracing the mound, both leagues have assembled formidable lineups that promise a showcase of talent. From seasoned veterans like Seth Lugo and Chris Sale to rising stars like Paul Skenes, this All-Star Game is set to be a thrilling display of pitching prowess.
The stage is set at Globe Life Field, and as fans eagerly await the opening pitch, the promise of witnessing some of baseball's best on one stage adds another chapter to the storied legacy of MLB All-Star Games.