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Although some fans dismiss the MLB All-Star Game as frivolous and unnecessary, the midsummer classic gives fans a unique glimpse to see the league's best and brightest assembled in one place. Predictably, the results are usually pretty exciting.
Last year, Elias Diaz of the Colorado Rockies hit a two-run home run off Felix Batista to help the National League to a 3-2 win. On account of the performance, Diaz won the MLB All-Star Game MVP Award. Today, we will be examining some top contenders to take home that heralded piece of hardware next Tuesday at Globe Life Field.
Top 5 Candidates for the 2024 MLB All-Star MVP Award
5. Gunnar Henderson
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After winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award last season, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down. Despite making just $756,000 this season, the 24 year-old sophomore leads the majors in runs scored, and is one home run shy of the career-high 28 bombs he clobbered last season.
"104.4 MPH the opposite way! Gunnar Henderson has his 27th homer of the year." - MLB
Set to get the start at shortstop for the AL, watch out for Henderson to come up with clutch hits like he has been doing all season.
4. Alec Bohm
With seven players set to represent the NL at the 2024 MLB All-Star game, the Philadelphia Phillies have more ambassadors than any other team. Among them is third baseman Alec Bohm.
In addition to hitting .292/.343/.481 with 11 home runs and 70 RBIs, Bohm's 31 doubles lead the entire MLB. When it comes to situations with runners in scoring position, Bohm is among the league's best performers. In 92 such at-bats this season, the 27-year-old is hitting .326 with 5 home runs and 55 RBIs.
3. Shohei Ohtani
Set to compete in his fourth career All-Star game, Shohei Ohtani enters the break with history on his side. The 30-year-old is the first National League player to sport 50 extra-base hits and 20 steals by the All-Star break since Bobby Bonds did so with the San Francisco Giants way back in 1973.
"SHOHEI OHTANI WINS THE ESPY FOR BEST MLB PLAYER" - ESPN
Currently a .317 hitter on the season, the Japanese superstar also leads the league in runs scored and home runs, with figures of 72 and 28, respectively.
2. Steven Kwan
Steven Kwan is among the most unexpected names to have garnered an All-Star nod this season, but he is also among the most deserving. In 65 games this season, the Cleveland Guardians outfielder is currently the batting champ, having recorded a .361 average so far this season. A two-time Gold Glover, watch out for Kwan to make a big splash in his maiden All-Star showing.
"Steven Kwan is now hitting .363 this year. No other qualified hitter is above .325." - StatmuseMLB
1. Aaron Judge
Not only is Aaron Judge a highly likely candidate to win the 2024 All-Star Game MVP Award, but he is also a strong contender to capture the AL MVP Award, as he did in 2022.
The 6-foot-7 New York Yankees captain's 32 home runs and 83 RBIs do not just lead pro baseball, but they also set him on course to best his 2022 single-season home run record.
