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Two Key Chicago Cubs Stars On Track To Earn All-Star Game Selections
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The Chicago Cubs could have two players on the National League All-Star Team if ESPN’s recent projections for next month’s All-Star Game are correct.
But with more than a month before the All-Star Game, which will be July 11 in Seattle, a lot can change.
If the projection is right then Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson would start and pitcher Marcus Stroman would be a part of the pitching staff.
The case for Swanson was pretty simple, per ESPN:
All-Star starters are usually selected on the strength of their hitting, and Swanson has posted the best OBP among NL shortstops, but his defense puts him over the top.
Entering Wednesday’s action, Swanson was batting .270/.361/.422/.783 with six home runs and 26 RBI while delivering quality defense at shortstop. He’s coming off his first All-Star season in 2022 with the Atlanta Braves. He signed a long-term free-agent deal with the Cubs last offseason.
Stroman — who was an All-Star in 2019 with Toronto — has been solid for the Cubs all season, as he amassed a 6-4 record with a 2.39 ERA in 13 starts. He’s struck out 68 and walked 27. He’s also thrown one complete game shutout this season. He also has 11 quality starts.
For those reasons, Stroman was nearly selected to start for the NL in this projection. Instead, it was Arizona starter Zac Gallen.
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