Hey Now, You’re An All-Star: Alonso, McNeil, deGrom Selected To MLB All-Star Game

Even with what could be the worst season in Mets history, there have some bright spots to it. Jacob deGrom has finally found his groove after struggling at the beginning of the season. Two of the most gifted athletes on the Mets, Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, continue to give Mets fans hope.

It is only fitting that all three get a chance to show the world what they can really do in Cleveland this July. Alonso, McNeil and deGrom were selected to be involved in this year’s MLB All-Star Game. All three will be reserves, each getting a chance at some point in the game on July 9th.

Sparky Gets A Charge

An electrifying star, McNeil is second in the majors in batting average with a .344 as of this post. He is also tied for fifth with 31 multi-hit games. McNeil’s 162 hits over his last 474 career at-bats are the most by an active player since Wade Boggs had 166 in 475 at-bats during the 1982-1983 seasons. That is a high-profile player to be compared to.

While it may have been confusing trying to figure out what position McNeil actually plays, his ability to adapt and be a true utility man has come in handy many times. What he lacks in power he makes up for in clutch hits.

Polar Bear Plunge

One of the likely winners of the Rookie of the Year award, Pete Alonso has taken the league by storm. The 24-year-old is the fourth Mets rookie position player to be named an All-Star, joining Dwight Gooden (1984), Jerry Koosman (1968) and Tom Seaver (1967).

“It’s a dream come true,” Alonso stated to the media after the announcement. “I wouldn’t think in a million years I’d be an All-Star as a rookie. It’s crazy. It’s a dream come true.”

Entering play prior to the announcement, Alonso ranked second in the majors with 28 home runs to go along with his 62 RBIs. Looking to set major league records, he already demolished Darryl Strawberry’s all-time Mets rookie record of most home runs prior to the break.

At one point he was not even considered an Opening Day starter. Now, Alonso is the talk of the town, providing the Mets with opportunities to stay in the game.

deGoat Is Back 

At one point, it was unknown if Jacob deGrom would return to his Cy Young-winning self. Finding his groove, deGrom is now second in the NL with 128 strikeouts and is close to .500 to the point that wins don’t matter for him.

This will be deGrom’s third All-Star game. He was an All-Star last year and in 2015. The latter of the two was very memorable, as he struck out three batters in about 10 pitches, becoming the first pitcher to do that as an All-Star.

The rule for the All-Star Game is that every team needs to have a representative. There is no doubt that these three deserve to be All-Stars, just by looking at how they have impacted the Mets. If everything goes according to plan, deGrom will continue to wow fans. This time around, Cleveland will be rocking with orange and blue once the Mets’ dynamic position players take the field.