Ranking the 25 best players in this year’s MLB All-Star Game

John Heyman

MLB

as if John Heyman

July 11, 2023 | 8:30 p.m

SEATTLE — Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani stands alone as the undisputed best player in the game today, perhaps the best ever. He is simply the biggest star, outshining all other stars.

Before Tuesday’s All-Star Game, Players Association President Tony Clarke described how Ohtani will “get through” the game, and that’s what he said.

Here’s how we rank all of the top 25 brightest stars — among the brightest at this year’s midseason classic. (Note: Jose Altuve, Manny Machado, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts, Paul Goldschmidt, Jacob deGrom, Alex Bregman and Francisco Lindor did not make All-Star teams this year, so they were not considered.)

He has owned the year since he struck out Angels teammate Mike Trout to clinch the World Baseball Classic for the Japanese team. His free agency will undoubtedly be the greatest ever. Do we hear $600 million?

2. Aaron Judge, Yankees

Even though he hasn’t been able to do so since a toe injury that kept him out since crashing into the wall at Dodger Stadium on June 3, he’s clearly a monster star. After missing five weeks, he has a case for the AL MVP for the second time; The Yankees are showing their worth every game.

3. Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves

The first has a chance of being 40-80 people. He also sold the most jerseys in 2023. Great style too.

4. Juan Soto, Padres

After a tough transition to San Diego, he’s back to work. It’s worth considering that the Padres gave up five top prospects for him in an era when no one was giving up.

5. Mookie Betts, Dodgers

Not only is he one of the best players of all time, he is also very athletic. Although he remains one of the two best right fielders in the game, he has settled into playing second base and shortstop. Give him points for agreeing to do the Home Run Derby with extreme weight loss.

6. Mike Trout, Angels

The three-time MVP, 11-time All-Star and repeat top vote-getter has been sidelined this year due to a broken humerus in his left hand.

He might be the best position player since Barry Bonds*.

7. Nolan Arenado, Cardinals

The three-time home run champion and perennial Gold Glover (even in the same league as Machado) might be an underrated star.

It looks like he’s a baseball player now, and he’s gotten his first All-Star Game start. Highest paid pitcher (by total contract) in baseball history.

8. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers

The best pure hitter in the game seems calm and happy in LA. What’s not to love?

9. Pete Alonso, Mt

The two-time Home Run Derby champion is the majors’ biggest home run hitter since entering the league. His love to compete in the power exhibition.

10. Luis Arez, Marlins

The .400 hitter is hitting .383, which is 52 points in the NL. It popularized the medium.

11. Julio Rodriguez, sailors

He’s made an appearance in the past two Home Run Derbies and knows how to play for the crowd — not just the home crowd. J-Rod has a chance to go higher after doing everything right.

12. Jordan Alvarez, Astros

He had the biggest home run of the World Series and carried a magical bat that could carry the Astros. They weren’t as well received here as Astro, but that wasn’t worth it.

13. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

He said he might retire at the end of the year. If he does, he’ll still be at the top of his game at age 35.

14. Lewis Robert Jr., White Sox

All that’s left is if his White Sox teammates give him some help. It was excellent both ways, delivering on its promise.

15. Jose Ramirez, Guardians

If he were anywhere other than Cleveland, it would be huge. A perennial MVP contender, he’s a genius ballplayer.

16. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays

The Home Run Derby winner finished second in MVP voting and is the all-time contender.

17. Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks

The fact that he can make the rookie list shows what he’s doing in the desert.

18. Randy Arozarena, Rays

Go ahead and stop. do you understand. Great fun, and a clutch performer.

19. Corey Seager, Rangers

The 2020 World Series MVP is one of the best hitters in the game, but he does it quietly.

20. Marcus Semien, Rangers

Seager’s doubles-playing partner plays every day, plays hard and smart, and competes like few others.

21. Bo Bichette, Jay

A leader of many years. Bonus points for its impressive power in a small frame.

22. Ozzie Albies, Braves

He is not only an aqua runner but also very talented.

23. Josh Hader, Padres

The best and worst relief in the last half-decade. When he was treated last year, a whole clubhouse was worried.

24. Vander Franco, Reyes

He definitely has talent and is among the AL WAR leaders.

Loved how he swung around in the derby and hit his right hand (and hit them all from that side). A superstar for the next decade.