The Royals have five players selected as All Stars, three first timers in starting pitcher Eddie Baquerizo, reliever Banmei Kataoka, and 1B Bob Crimi. Sam Hart receives his third selection with Edgar Mir his fifth.
SP Eddie Baquerizo (KC) - 4-3, 2.36 ERA, 114.1 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, 3.7 WAR
RP Banmei Kataoka (KC) - 2-2, 0.65 ERA, 55.0 IP, 0.84 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, 2.1 WAR
C Sam Hart (KC) - .230/.317/.395, 261 AB, 8 HR, 88 wRC+, 1.5 WAR
1B Bob Crimi (KC) - .296/.361/.524, 334 AB, 19 HR, 9 SB, 132 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
2B Edgar Mir (KC)* - .280/.393/.472, 322 AB, 12 HR, 14 SB, 134 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
Only one former Royal was selected with Juan Soreni earning his 5th selection.
CF Juan Soreni (CLE)* - .239/.349/.542, 238 AB, 21 HR, 137 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
Baquerizo and Kataoka both pitched a one-hit inning, while Edgar Mir struck out in both his at-bats and Sam Hart went 1-3. Crimi didn’t get onto the field in his first All-Star appearance.
The Royals All-Star selections reflect the performance of their bats in the first half of the season and, while snubbed in All-Star selections, both Billy Mumaugh and Jimmy Goodman have put up solid 2 WAR+ seasons so far.
The left side of the infield has been the challenge with Marquis Foggier relying on his stellar defense to keep him in positive WAR despite a 67 wRC+.
The Royals rotation is in good shape with only Ethan Chafin having a FIP- that is not below league average and Curt Bogans probably unlucky not to earn an All Star selection.
The bullpen has been up and down with Brad Demarest and Pat Burch in danger of replacement if the right opportunity presents itself in trades or promotions while three pitchers have contributed over 1 WAR already.