The Chicago Cubs are sitting pretty with a 51-35 record and a three-game cushion over Milwaukee in the NL Central. Their offense has been clicking, the bullpen’s been lights-out, and they’ve got Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong heading to the All-Star Game as starters.
But here’s what’s frustrating about this year’s All-Star selection process.
Seiya Suzuki is having the kind of season that should have him packing for the Midsummer Classic. Instead, he’ll be watching from home because fan voting doesn’t always reward the best performance.
The 30-year-old DH has been Chicago’s most consistent offensive weapon. He’s already set a career-high with 23 home runs in just 82 games and leads MLB with 73 RBIs. Suzuki also tops the Cubs in total bases (181) and slugging percentage (.550).
Do the math on his current pace, and you’re looking at 43 homers and 138 RBIs over a full 154-game schedule. Those are All-Star numbers any way you slice it.
The problem? Shohei Ohtani locked up the NL DH starter spot, which was expected. But Kyle Schwarber snagged the reserve nod, leaving Suzuki on the outside looking in.
Now, Ohtani and Schwarber are both having solid years – that’s not the issue. The issue is how fan voting can overlook guys who are genuinely carrying their teams. Suzuki has put the Cubs on his back during stretches this season, and his numbers reflect that impact.
It’s one of those situations where the selection process doesn’t quite match what’s happening on the field. When you’re leading the majors in RBIs and setting career highs across the board, you’ve probably earned a trip to the All-Star Game.
The Cubs are rolling with or without All-Star recognition for Suzuki. But it’s hard not to think he deserved better from the voting process.
