It simply does not get more American than baseball’s Midsummer Classic taking place in the nation’s capital, Washington DC. Sixty of the best and brightest meet in the District to battle it out for bragging right since Major League Baseball has done away with home-field advantage. Before we evaluate each positional match-up, you would have to think the American League is the premier league at the midway point. The three top record in the sport belong to American League clubs. The Astros, Yankees and Red Sox correctly were awarded five All-Stars each.
So we must ask who’s got the edge?
2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game Catchers
National League Catcher Willson Contreras ends Buster Posey’s National League Catcher reign. Since 2014, Posey had taken his place behind home for the senior circuit. Contreras has surged as the Chicago weather has heated up, sporting a more than average .841 OPS for the North Side. Contreras’ contributions behind the plate have helped the Cubs become the hottest NL team in June and July. Contreras will make his inaugural appearance to the All Star Game, just edging out Realmuto for the start. Contreras is quietly becoming the face of the catching position. Signed Contreras memorabilia will pop if the Cubs make a deep postseason run in 2018.
American League Catcher Wilson Ramos is the lone Tampa Bay Ray selection, much to the chagrin of MLB statheads calling for Blake Snell. Ramos can chalk this appearance up to a healthy body. Ramos’ bat is that of a Designated Hitter more so than a Catcher. His .802 OPS is more than strong enough to earn him the American League start. Wilson Ramos’ name may sneak into trade talks as the AL East continues to not favor the Rays’ postseason hopes.
Catcher Edge: Based on passion alone, Contreras is going to bring that edge that the National needs in this one.
2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game First Basemen
National League First Baseman Freddie Freeman was the leading vote-getter in the NL with over 4 millions votes cast. No gimmicks here, Freddie has been the heart and soul of a resurgent Atlanta Braves club. Freeman is an on base machine in the middle of the Atlanta order and has been a major run producer in the first half. This will mark Freeman’s third trip the ASG. The classic home Atlanta Braves white jersey with Freeman’s signature is one sale with code ALLSTAR.
American League First Baseman Jose Abreu is headed to his second All Star Game and is the lone Chicago White Sox representative. First base has been a surprisingly weak position for a dominant American League. Abreu has 12 long bombs on the season. Jose Abreu signed baseballs can be had for under $100.
1st Base Edge: NL’s Freddie Freeman (ATL) has the most pure swing and is a favorite for NL MVP
2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game Second Basemen
National League Second Baseman Javier Baez is a magician for the Chicago Cubs. Baez, known more for his glove than consistency at the plate has put together his most complete campaign yet. Chicago fans have become accustomed to dazzling performances by the one they call, “El Mago”. Baez is on pace for a historic 30/30 season with a chance to drive in the most runs in the National League. Javy Baez signed memorabilia has taken off since he has become a regular for the Cubs this season. Signed jerseys and photos are the most popular items.
American League Second Baseman Jose Altuve does it all for the Astros. The 5’6 infielder is making his sixth trip to the All Star Game. The popularity king, Altuve tallied over 4.8M votes to earn him his fourth straight at second base. Altuve is in the midst of a legendary run for the Astros with the 2017 World Series title being the pinnacle. Batting over .335 yet again, Jose Altuve is en route to another batting title. Signed Jose Altuve collectibles went bananas during the postseason run last year – signed jerseys and bats were the most coveted.
2B Edge: Jose Altuve is too complete to knock off the top spot.
2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game Shortstops
National League Shortstop Brandon Crawford is silky smooth with the glove and had a resurgent 2018 at the dish. Crawford’s bat has played a major role in keeping San Francisco in NL West chase. This marks Brandon Crawford’s second All-Star appearance. Crawford has slugged much better than past seasons, sitting at an .847 OPS through mid-July. Brandon Crawford signed Gold Glove baseballs are top selling products out of all SF Giants collectibles.
American League Shortstop Manny Machado may very well be representing the Orioles for the last time in this 2018 ASG. Manny Machado has helped his free agency case with another strong campaign for Baltimore. Manny’s name is sure to be on rumors for the next three weeks. Machado does it all for the lowly O’s – excellent defense at SS or 3B and plenty of pop. Carlos Correa’s recent DL stint may have cost him the starting gig for the American League. Manny Machado is a prime candidate for a second half memorabilia sales uptick. Whenever he is dealt, there will be a buzz around his signed product.
Edge: Manny Machado (BAL) offers an equal glove and more power at the plate.
2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game Third Basemen
National League Third Baseman Nolan Arenado has become a mainstay at the All Star Game with his fourth straight appearance. Arguably the best two-way player in baseball, Arenado has earned five consecutive Gold Glove awards and three Silver Sluggers at third base. You could point to the home field advantage of Coors Field but Nolan performs just as well on the road. A perennial MVP candidate, Nolan Arenado is on top of the National League’s roster. Colorado’s fan base loves them some Nolan Arenado as his signed Rockies jerseys retail for over $300.
American League Third Baseman Jose Ramirez has shown us an array of skills over the past three seasons, the young infielder has demonstrated power, speed, clutch hitting and everything in between. Ramirez, on paper, is a Top 5 AL MVP resume, but he oftentimes is overshadowed by left side of the infield mate, Francisco Lindor. Jose Ramirez has slugged with the boppers of the American League with 24 bombs and 25 two-baggers. Jose Ramirez does not show any signs of slowing down for the AL Central leading Indians. Compared to Lindor Ramirez’s memorabilia is a value play – under $40 for a signed photo and under $100 for an Official Major League Baseball.
Edge: Nolan Arenado based on track record.
2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game Outfielder #1
National League Outfielder Nick Markakis has utilized all the grit to get to this juncture of his career, a starting outfield in the All Star Game. Don’t look now, but Nick Markakis has tallied over 2,000 hits – actually go look on Baseball Reference. He very well could wind up with 3.000 hits in the bigs. Quiet, consistent yet a force from the left side. The Braves owe much of their surprise start to the former Oriole and grizzled veteran. To be honest, we do not see a ton of traffic on Markakis’ products but the same could be said for Adrian Beltre during his tenure and he will be in Cooperstown sooner rather than later.
American League Outfielder Mookie Betts has bowled more 300 games than he has All Star appearances but those numbers could flip if Betts continues to rake for the Bo Sox. Mookie Betts leads all batters in Batting Average, Slugging and OPS – a surefire All Star. With so much talent on the 2018 Red Sox, Betts stands out as their leader and most consistent performer. The Red Sox faithful are a playoff run away from a memorabilia frenzy like we saw in 2013. Boston Strong may make a comeback in the memorabilia if the Sox hoist another trophy.
Edge: Mookie Betts (BOS) has been arguably the best in the baseball.
2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game Outfielder #2
National League Outfielder Matt Kemp has been selected to the All Star Game … In 2018. What a resurgence by Kemp who is seeing fastballs better than he did with his first stint in Los Angeles. LA has revitalized this 33-year old to one of his most productive pro seasons. Kemp hopes to keep up the pace to get his Dodgers into October. For LA Dodgers fans with member berries to the early 2010’s, Matt Kemp memorabilia has been selling well. For Braves fans thinking why did we trade him, we have Ronald Acuna autographs for you. Padres fans, keep scrolling.
American League Outfielder Mike Trout is the best baseball player on the planet. Mike Trout’s autograph value remains high – $300-700 depending on condition. Trout’s 2018 pace is one for the record books. At the break, it is projected Trout has produced 7 wins above a replacement player (i.e. Kole Calhoun), which puts him on a path where very few have ever been for a full season. Trout is stealing less but homering more. He is tripling less but doubling more. If you pitch him inside, he pulls. Outside, he sprays it. Throw him balls, he walks. It is almost unfair how well he has been playing yet the Angels are on the outside looking into the postseason again.
Edge: Can’t pick against Trout.
2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game Outfielder #3
National League Outfielder Bryce Harper has lost a bit of luster, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the fan vote. Harper was voted into his Right Field office for the fifth start of his career. With a career low batting average, Harper has had to grind out at-bats this season. His power numbers are close to where we expected him to be but the total number of strikeouts is alarming. Despite a frustrating 2018, Harper can get back on good graces with a dominant show in the 2018 T-Mobile Home Run Derby. Harper puts eyeballs on the TV and butts in seats. Harper offers plenty of value to Major League Baseball by starting in his home park. Bryce Harper signed products has slowed down a bit but his looming free agency with keep his name in the headlines.
American League Outfielder Aaron Judge has copied and pasted his 2017 impact into this season. Not missing a beat in his second season, Judge is near the tops of all relevant batting categories. Fans will not be happy that the reigning Home Run Derby champion is sitting this year’s out but after the show he put on in South Beach, he deserves a Mai Tai. The market for Aaron Judge signatures last year was amazing, and unrivaled by any Rookie since Derek Jeter. The hoopla has continued in the Bronx and the online marketplace. Aaron Judge signed ROMLB’s are fetching half a grand.
Edge: The verdict is in. Judge (NYY)
2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game DH
National League DH Paul Goldschmidt was not on any All Star radar if fans voted in mid-May but April slumps brought May thumps as Goldschmidt has his D-Back on track to take the NL West crown. The captain of the Snakes, Goldschmidt has produced major power numbers in June and July to right the ship. Manager Dave Roberts will likely slot Goldy as the DH, in this – his sixth consecutive appearance. If you were carving a “Diamondbacks Mount Rushmore” in the Grand Canyon, you would see Goldy’s mug etched into the side of it. You might see Royce Clayton’s bust too, but as a gag.
American League DH JD Martinez has earned every penny from his monster deal in the spring. Martinez is firmly in the mix for the American League Triple Crown – 27 long balls, 74 runs driven in. JD has shown no signs of slowing down for the Red Sox. The surprise breakout of 2016 has only gotten better with age. With so many polarizing Red Sox, Martinez’ memorabilia sales have been slow to begin the season but as we stated with Betts, “If the Red Sox win the title, watch out memorabilia world”.
Edge: JD (Just Dingers) Martinez is having an MVP caliber 2018 season.
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