SEATTLE – Will it be the Year of the Rookie in the 2023 MLB All-Star Game?
There are 33 — yes, 33 — First-time All-Stars on the rosters at Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic at T-Mobile Park. To put it in perspective, he is tied for eighth place (the record is 42, set in 2021) and just three fewer than in 1933: the first Stars game.
While some of these players are sure to be on baseball fans’ radars, particularly if they play for their favorite team or one of their rivals, more than one face may not be familiar.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable rookies, and how they could make it to the All-Star Game.
the newbies
Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks
The numbers that brought him here: The 22-year-old outfielder, born and raised in Seattle, is the first rookie in MLB history with 15 home runs and 25 stolen bases before the All-Star break.
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: By hitting a home run and stealing a base. Or draw three. It’s that good and that fast.
The phrase: “It’s a great achievement. I’m very proud of it. To be in the stadium and in the hometown that I grew up in is very special. The support I have here in Seattle is great.” –Carroll
Josh Jung, Texas Rangers
The numbers that brought him here: Jung is the first rookie primary third baseman with at least 15 home runs and 50 RBI before the All-Star break since Evan Longoria in 2008.
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: With a dunk stop at third base. Jung is one of eight third basemen in the majors with positive defensive runs saved.
The phrase: “That’s pretty big shoes to fill. It’s great to be here, but I have a lot of time to make up for what I was doing.” — Jung on carrying the All-Star torch for former ranger Adrian Beltre at third base
The ‘old’ rookie
Yennier Cano, Baltimore Orioles
The numbers that brought him here: Canó had the longest streak of scoreless innings to start a season by an Orioles reliever (21â…”) during the Expansion Era (since 1961). The 29-year-old’s 1.48 ERA is also the lowest first-half ERA by an Orioles rookie with at least 40 innings pitched in franchise history.
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: If he allows even one baserunner, it will be a surprise, as Canó has thrown the most innings (42â…”) with the lowest WHIP (0.89) of any reliever in the game.
The phrase: “It’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me in baseball. Starting the year in Triple-A and then being here, it’s incredible.” — Spout
The star finally getting what he deserves
Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay Rays
The numbers that brought him here: Lots of votes. Arozarena’s stats are good, but his popularity made him an All-Star, through fan voting. Tampa Bay’s 2020 World Series star finished in the top three among outfielders, along with injured former MVPs Aaron Judge and Mike Trout, putting him in the game.
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: Choose your option. Jump into the stands to take a selfie as you make a diving catch, hit a game-winning home run, or steal one off the fence. Arozarena could do them all.
The phrase: “If I were a gambler, I’d say he’s going to win MVP. I know he’s going to cross his arms and strike his pose at some point.” — Rays teammate and fellow All-Star Wander Franco
The Breaking Bats
Adolis Garcia, Texas Rangers
The numbers that brought him here: Garcia leads the MLB in RBIs (75) and field assists (10). The only other players to lead MLB in RBIs and field assists at the All-Star break? Manny RamÃrez in 2005 and Chuck Klein in 1933.
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: Throwing a runner at the plate.
The phrase: “Adolis is a great card player. We play a game called Casino. He sure is the best in our locker room. Oh, and he’s the best hitter.” — Jonah Heim, Rangers teammate and fellow All-Star
Jonas Heim, Texas Rangers
The numbers that brought him here: Heim has the most RBIs by a Rangers lead receiver before the All-Star break since Iván RodrÃguez in 2000.
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: If he throws out a runner who tries to steal. That hasn’t happened in an All-Star Game since Lance Berkman was sacked in 2011.
The phrase: “He works very hard. He stays after games and plays on the field. His work ethic is second to none. But he’s only pretty good at ping-pong and his card game is fine. He’s always in a good mood though “. — Josh Jung, Rangers teammate and fellow All-Star
Brent Rooker, Oakland Athletics
The numbers that brought him here: Rooker leads the A’s in home runs (16). He is one of only two Oakland players to hit at least 10 in the first half (Shane Langeliers is the other).
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: If it has changed in the middle of the game. Rooker has changed teams three times since the start of last season, but here he stands as the A’s lone All-Star.
The phrase: “As a 27-year-old who spent most of last season in Triple-A, this seemed like a long reach, but here I am. The All-Star Game didn’t cross my mind until last Sunday when I was told I was in it. “. — Rocker
the breaking arms
Alexis Diaz, Cincinnati Reds
The numbers that brought him here: Diaz is tied for the MLB lead (26) in saves. Of the three closers he’s tied with, he has the fewest blown saves (one).
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: If, when he comes running in from the bullpen, Timmy Trumpet takes Narco off the warning track in an ode to brother Edwin, the New York Mets closer who’s out for the season after getting hurt during the World Baseball Classic. Well maybe not…
The phrase: “He told me that if you work hard, you can get there. He was excited and happy for me. But I’m not going to have Timmy Trumpet play. I’m going to play my song.” ” — DÃaz about his brother Edwin
Camilo Doval, San Francisco Giants
The numbers that brought him here: Doval is tied for the MLB lead in saves with 26.
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: He’ll grab headlines if he nails a couple of batters, as he ranks in the top five relievers for hitting hitters with pitches.
The phrase: “I took advantage of the opportunities given to me. My teammates enjoy watching me play. I really enjoy the game. It’s a dream come true. I’ll never forget it.” –Doval
Michael Lorenzen, Detroit Tigers
The numbers that brought him here: He has the lowest ERA among Tigers starters outside of Eduardo Rodriguez, who was injured when the picks were made and has logged the most innings.
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: When Lorenzen, a former quasi-two-way player, is pressured into serving as a pinch hitter, winning the game at the plate and pitching the final inning.
The phrase: “There’s a bit of ‘Do I deserve to be here?’ Probably not, to be honest, but I’m going to enjoy it. Nobody can take it away from me.” — Lorenzen
Justin Steele, Chicago Cubs
The numbers that brought him here: The National League starter trails Clayton Kershaw by 0.01 points (2.56 to 2.55) to lead the league in ERA at halftime.
How he’s most likely to steal the show tonight: When, after making a stellar All-Star debut, he spins around during an on-field interview, talking about his beloved New Orleans Saints. Steele might like them more than pitch. If not, he is close.
The phrase: “I’ve given a lot of thought. Being here is so special. I guess I started thinking about [the All-Star Game] when he appeared on social media. And meeting Clayton Kershaw is great. I grew up idolizing him. Sharing a dressing room with him is just incredible.” — Steele
