Breaking Down Cleveland Indians 2021 MLB All-Star Game Candidates

With the MLB All-Star Game ballots being released earlier this week I decided to take a closer look at who should represent the Tribe in the Mid-summer classic. With 9 Indians on the 2021 ballot, I decided the easiest way was to discuss the players who are most certainly not going to represent the team.    

That means I’m looking at you Josh Naylor, Jordan Luplow and Amed Rosario. Now I will go through the other choices individually.  

Cesar Hernandez

Arguably the Tribe’s second most clutch offensive performer last year got off to an absolutely abysmal start this year but has slowly started to turn it around. Despite
hitting just .216 so far this year it feels like Hernandez is always in the mix offensively, due to his ability to draw walks and extend at- bats. However… 

Verdict: Not an All-Star 

Jose Ramirez

Once again proving to be the Indians most consistent and most talented player offensively, Ramirez has shown why he has three top five MVP finishes in the last four seasons. While Francisco Lindor struggles in New York, Ramirez shows why he may end up being the better player when their careers are over. 

Verdict: All-Star 

Andres Gimenez 

Despite having a hot start at spring training, and beating out former Mets teammate Amed Rosario for the starting shortstop job, Gimenez has struggled. There have been flashes of potential talent to come for sure, and Gimenez is still only 22 years old and never played at Triple A before his recent demotion. 

Verdict: Not an All-Star  

Roberto Perez 

Before fracturing a bone in his hand landed him on the injured list Perez was struggling to get it going with the bat despite just 61 at-bats. However, his perennially good skills behind the dish and the way he continues to bring along this young pitching staff continue to always make him a consideration. 

Verdict: Not an All-Star 

Eddie Rosario 

Like many fans I was overjoyed at the offseason acquisition
of the former Twins slugger especially given his numbers as an opposing player
at Progressive Field. Rosario has been extremely streaky but has provided a
handful of big moments in an otherwise mediocre season so far. With a little
over a month to go however before the All-Star Break if Rosario could heat up
he could definitely sneak onto the American League roster. 

Verdict: Not an All-Star (yet) 

Franmil Reyes 

The big man before injuring himself from quite literally swinging too hard was starting to turn into the power bat in the middle of the Indians lineup that he was expected to be. Once coming off the injured list if the Franimal can show a little more plate discipline like he did at times in 2019 it could be the first of many All-Star appearances. 

Verdict: All-Star 

It should be noted that although pitchers are not on the ballot the Indians have several candidates; of course, there is the otherworldly talent of Shane Bieber who may be putting together another Cy Young season. 

Aaron Civale also leads the American League in wins and has been incredibly consistent in going deep into games and saving the bullpen. That leaves the back end of that bullpen in Bryan Shaw, James Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase who should all be up for All Star consideration.