Which outfielders have the edge for 2021 MLB All Star Game rosters?

After not having an All-Star game last season due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the mid-summer’s classic will be back next month at Coors Fields. The MLB All-Star game is one of the best in the four majors sports, where the best players from the diamond meet up to showcase their talents.

One position that will be of heavy interest on the All-Star Game ballot from now until the final votes are tallied is outfield. At the beginning of the season, it appeared that Mike Trout and Byron Buxton were going to be bonafide starters in the AL. However, with both players going down with significant injuries, it has opened up the door for other guys. Meanwhile, in the National League, the only lock in the outfielder is Ronald Acuna Jr., who is tied for the major league lead in home runs with 17.

That being said, we are going to take a look at a few outfielders in both the AL and NL, who likely have an edge to be in the All-Star game.

American League

1. Adolis Garcia, Texas Rangers - If you have read any of our recent ASG pieces, then it should not be a surprise that Garcia is on this list. It would be a downright snub, if the Rangers outfielder was not on the AL All-Star team next month. He’s been one of the best rookies and power hitters in baseball. The 28-year-old rook is hitting .275 with 16 HRs (which leads all AL outfielders) and 43 RBI. He should be rewarded for his fantastic start on a not-so good Texas squad.

2. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees - For as bad as the Yankees’ offense has been this season, Judge has been one of their best offensive players. The power-hitting outfielder is batting .289 with 14 HR, 34 RBI and .934 OPS. Judge’s OPS is one of the best outside of Buxton and Trout, who have missed some time due to injury.

3. Cedric Mullins, Baltimore Orioles - The battle for the third spot is going to be tough for the next month because voters can go in many different directions. They could opt to vote for Randal Grichuk or Mitch Haniger. However, the best choice might end up being Cedric Mullins, who is having a career-year for the Orioles. The 26-year-old centerfielder is slashing .325/.394/.541 with 9 HR and 19 RBI. He also has a career-high nine stolen bases and could end up having a 20/20 season.

National League

1. Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves - The National League MVP candidate should be a stone-cold lock to be on the NL All-Star Game roster. Acuna started off the season slow, but immediately got hot and has not looked back. He is slugging a sizzling .284/.393/.612 with 18 HRs and 38 RBI this season for the Braves. Acuna has been the best player in the NL and is making a strong case as the best player in baseball.

2. Jesse Winker, Cincinnati Reds - The Reds outfielder should also be a lock to be in the All-Star game with the type of season he’s having. Winker is not only hitting for average, but also for power and one of the reasons why Cincinnati has a good offense. The 27-year-old is slashing a career-high .346/.407/.654 with 17 HRs and 37 RBI. Winkler could end up being one of many players receiving their first All-Star appearances next month.

3. Nick Castellanos, Cincinnati Reds - Just like in the AL, there will be a lot of discussion on who the third starting outfielder should be in the NL. Trent Grisham, Bryan Reynolds, and Tyler O’Neill will all get considerations and votes. But Castellanos has the edge for the last spot. The veteran right fielder has been playing out of his mind this season. He is slugging .357/.412/.412 (1.036 OPS) with 12 HRs and 31 RBI in 233 plate appearances.