Once the initial rosters are announced for the MLB All-Star Game, fans are given an additional opportunity to select the final spot for each league.
Now that the starters and reserves have been revealed Sunday, here are the final 10 in the fan vote, ranked from most deserving to least.
1. Justin Turner, Dodgers
Turner should make the team no matter what. Despite missing 26 games, he's been one of the hardest outs in baseball. He's hitting .388 on the season, and has accumulated more wins above replacement than any other player on the list (via Fangraphs). Since returning from injury June 9, he's slashed .406/.512/.710 with six home runs in 19 games. Do the right thing and vote for Turner.720
2. Anthony Rendon, Nationals
If it weren't for Turner, Rendon would be running away with No. 1. He may get overshadowed by All-Star teammates Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy, and Ryan Zimmerman, but Rendon has been just as valuable. The highlight came April 30, when Rendon went 6-for-6 with three home runs and 10 RBIs.
3. Logan Morrison, Rays
Morrison might be the surprise of the season. He's already hit a career-high 24 home runs in just 80 games. The last time he hit 20 in a season was 2011 when he played for the Marlins. This would be his first trip to the All-Star Game, and even if you think it's anomalous, he hasn't slowed down yet.
4. Kris Bryant, Cubs
Bryant is probably the best player on the list with the most All-Star Games in his future, but that doesn't mean he should make it on name value alone. Putting aside his recent ankle injury, his numbers aren't as impressive as either of his first two seasons - except in one category. Because he's improved his walk rate, he's actually touting a career-best .393 OBP despite a career-worst .264 batting average. He deserves to be on this list, but he shouldn't be chosen ahead of his top NL peers.
5. Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox
Bogaerts may not develop into a consistent power threat, but he's going to be a pest with the bat. He's hitting .314 on the season, and has been Boston's most consistent hitter this season, even more so than All-Star Mookie Betts. What he lacks in flash, he makes up for with consistency and solid defense.
6. Didi Gregorius, Yankees
Like Rendon, Gregorius is possibly overshadowed by teammates that have already been named to the roster. He's hitting .314 with 10 home runs while playing lockdown shortstop this season. The one drawback is his 2.5 percent walk rate, which is suppressing his on-base percentage to a rather pedestrian .335.
7. Elvis Andrus, Rangers
It's a bit of a coin toss between Andrus and Gregorius. Andrus provides better speed on the basepaths with his 20 stolen bases, though he's not as proficient a defender. The Rangers shortstop has belted 11 home runs to date in 2017 - the first time he's ever hit double-digit dingers in a season.
8. Mike Moustakas, Royals
Moustakas, like Andrus and Morrison, has hit a career high in home runs before even reaching the All-Star break. He's swatted 20 long balls while also hitting .270 and playing serviceable defense at the hot corner. The problem: His abysmal 4.9 percent walk rate is producing a .306 OBP, which is the worst among these 10 options. His home runs will often obscure his shortcomings, but as long as he keeps slugging, his fans won't mind.
9. Justin Bour, Marlins
Perhaps there should be temptation to rank him higher because the game is being held in Miami, but Bour's just not quite there. Nine first basemen have more home runs than his 18 and 12 have a higher OBP. His line is solid, and he's a good piece in the Marlins' lineup, but there are superior alternatives.
10. Mark Reynolds, Rockies
Reynolds' power shouldn't be a surprise to anyone - he hit 44 home runs in 2009 as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He's become a bit of a journeyman since leaving the desert in 2010, and hasn't caught on anywhere until now. He still strikes out a ton, and first base is far too competitive to give him the edge, but his resurgence has been a pleasant surprise.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
