Let’s take a look at the whole National League All-Star squad – from the starters and reserves to the pitchers – ahead of the big game. Meanwhile, check out our preview of the AL All-Stars here.
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2016 MLB National League All-Star Team Preview
Starters
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| C | Buster Posey | San Francisco Giants |
| 1B | Anthony Rizzo | Chicago Cubs |
| 2B | Ben Zobrist | Chicago Cubs |
| SS | Addison Russell | Chicago Cubs |
| 3B | Kris Bryant | Chicago Cubs |
| OF | Bryce Harper | Washington Nationals |
| OF | Carlos Gonzalez | Colorado Rockies |
| OF | Marcell Ozuna | Miami Marlins |
Even without the injured Yoenis Cespedes, the NL starting lineup won’t be short of power. Cubs sluggers Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo have combined for 46 home runs already, and are both in the top five in the league in slugging. Meanwhile, Bryce Harper and Carlos Gonzalez (Cespedes’ replacement in the outfield) have knocked in 19 homers apiece.
This team also won’t be short on defensive ability. Posey is as good as it gets behind the plate; the infield – comprised entirely of Cubs – will be well-acquainted with one another; Harper and Gonzalez both have excellent arms; and Ozuna can cover insane amounts of ground in center.
Reserves
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| C | Jonathan Lucroy | Milwaukee Brewers |
| C | Wilson Ramos | Washington Nationals |
| 1B | Paul Goldschmidt | Arizona Diamondbacks |
| 1B | Wil Myers | San Diego Padres |
| 2B | Daniel Murphy | Washington Nationals |
| SS | Corey Seager | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 3B | Nolan Arenado | Colorado Rockies |
| OF | Odubel Herrera | Philadelphia Phillies |
| OF | Adam Duvall | Cincinnati Reds |
| IF | Aledmys Diaz | St. Louis Cardinals |
| 1B | Brandon Belt | San Francisco Giants |
| OF | Jay Bruce | Cincinnati Reds |
There is a TON of pop on the NL’s bench. Jonathan Lucroy and Wilson Ramos have been two of the four best-hitting catchers in the majors this season. Wil Myers (19 HRs, 60 RBIs) is having a resurgent season in San Diego. Daniel Murphy (MLB-best .348 BA, 17 HRs) and Nolan Arenado (23 HRs, 70 RBIs) are both MVP candidates. Corey Seager (17 HRs, .531 SLG) is a bona fide slugger at short. Even the Reds duo of Adam Duvall and Jay Bruce (41 HRs combined) will be dangerous when they come up.
And since all All-Star games must feature a DH, the NL will get another spot in the lineup for one of its big reserve bats. With all those weapons at its disposal, the NL is a -113 favorite in the ASG.
Pitchers
| Player | Hand | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Jake Arrieta | Right | Chicago Cubs |
| Bartolo Colon | Right | New York Mets |
| Johnny Cueto | Right | San Francisco Giants |
| Jose Fernandez | Right | Miami Marlins |
| Clayton Kershaw | Left | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Jon Lester | Left | Chicago Cubs |
| Max Scherzer | Right | Washington Nationals |
| Drew Pomeranz | Left | San Diego Padres |
| Julio Teheran | Right | Atlanta Braves |
| Jeurys Familia | Right | New York Mets |
| Kenley Jansen | Right | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Mark Melancon | Right | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| A.J. Ramos | Right | Miami Marlins |
With the league’s top aces – Clayton Kershaw (possibly), Madison Bumgarner, Stephen Strasburg, Noah Syndergaard – either injured or unable to pitch, the NL will need someone else to step up as the starter. Reigning NL Cy Young Jake Arrieta would’ve been a shoo-in, but he’s surrendered 15 earned runs in his last 16.1 innings. Johnny Cueto (13-1, 2.47 ERA) and Jose Fernandez (11-4, 2.52 ERA) will likely be the two new front-runners.
Manager Terry Collins, though, will be spoiled for choice at the back-end of his bullpen. He has four of the top five closers this season in terms of saves – A.J. Ramos, Mark Melancon, Kenley Jansen and his very own Jeurys Familia – to choose from.
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