Minnesota Twins: The case for each potential MLB All-Star Game starter

Eddie Rosario – OF

In the past two seasons, Eddie Rosario was one of the biggest snubs for the All-Star game. This year, he’ll probably get to go one way or another, but he has his opportunity to be a starter with the new voting format.

Over that timeframe, Rosario has put up the numbers to be worthy of a spot on the American League roster, but has been passed over. In 2017, Rosario hit .290 with 27 HR and 78 RBI, but didn’t get the call. In 2018, a hot first half helped Rosario hit .288 with 24 HR and 77 RBI on the season, but again, he was passed over.

This year, Rosario has comparable numbers to his recent All-Star campaign but has done so in the first half. The 27-year old has seen a decline in his average (.269), but has made up for it by smacking 20 home runs (6th in AL entering Tuesday) and driving in 59 RBI (2nd in the AL).

After driving in two more runs in Wednesday’s win over Tampa Bay, Rosario has the numbers to be an All-Star starter. Problem is, he’ll face a full-blown popularity contest in the outfield that involves eight other outfielders including the entire Houston outfield (George Springer, Josh Redick, Michael Brantley) and New York’s Aaron Judge, who has barely played this year, but is one of the most popular players in the game.

Fan voting has been a fickle process throughout the years, but if there is one instance where it should go right, it should be having Rosario start in the All-Star Game.