Whether or not you agree with MLB’s All-Star voting system, it undoubtedly leads to unworthy players being voted in while some talented players are snubbed.



Since not every deserving player will be named an All-Star when voting concludes June 30, I created full rosters for both squads. These are the players I believe most belong in the mid-summer classic on July 12 based on their first-half performances. For the NL roster, click here.

Starters

C, Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals



This one’s simple. Salvador Perez is far and away the best catcher in the American League. He’ll undoubtedly be the AL starter on July 12 as not only does he currently lead all catchers in the voting, he leads all players. Those Royals fans are at it again

1B, Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

Speaking of Royals, it’ll likely be Eric Hosmer getting the start at first base. It should be Miguel Cabrera, however, as he leads Hosmer in most major categories so far this season. Plus, it’s Miggy, and Miggy puts asses in the seats.

2B, Jose Altuve, Houston Astros



This one depends on whether you want the all-around player or the power bat in the lineup. In other words, it’s between Jose Altuve and Robinson Cano. Give me Altuve, the guy who can kill you both at the plate and on the basepaths.

SS, Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox

A no-brainer. Xander Bogaerts is the best shortstop in baseball right this moment and it’s not all that close. The 23-year-old is finally becoming the player Red Sox fans have wanted to see for a few years now. Not only is he a force at the plate, but his defensive prowess has GREATLY improved in the past couple seasons.

3B, Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

An obvious case can be made for 2015 AL MVP Josh Donaldson, but in 2016 I want Manny Machado starting at the hot corner. The 23-year-old Orioles third baseman is, in my opinion, the most exciting player to watch this season and as of today the most probable 2016 AL MVP candidate.

OF, Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels



Well, duh. Mike Trout is quietly having another one of his phenomenal seasons. Of course, other AL outfielders are making names for themselves year too. Make no mistake though, Trout is still the best one out there.

OF, Jackie Bradley Jr., Boston Red Sox



What an awesome story Jackie Bradley Jr. has been so far in 2016. His 29-game-hit streak obviously was historic in its own right, but he’s been destroying baseballs all season long. You could certainly argue he’s been the AL’s best outfielder so far, so it’d be a crime to not have him start this mid-summer classic.

OF, Michael Saunders, Toronto Blue Jays

Chances are he won’t get the starting nod since he’s definitely not a household name, but Michael Saunders deserves recognition. Statistically, he’s among the top 3 outfielders in the AL so far this season. He’s been an extremely pleasant surprise in a Blue Jays lineup that’s usually headlined by Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, and Edwin Encarnacion. This year however, Saunders has stolen the show.

DH, David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox



I shouldn’t even need to provide any sort of explanation here, but I’ll do it anyway. First of all, he’s the best DH of all time and is retiring at the end of the season. Secondly, he’s having an MVP-caliber year at age 40. Third, no other DH is even close to his production. So yeah, there you go.

SP, Steven Wright, Boston Red Sox

I was torn with this one. Steven Wright’s first half has been better than any other AL pitcher numbers wise, but I have a weird feeling about a knuckleballer starting an All-Star game. Still, I’ll stick with Wright simply because he is beyond deserving of the honor. I have faith Sal Perez can handle Wright’s knuckleball for a couple innings. If Wright doesn’t get the start though, Chris Sale would be the guy I want out there. But Sale already said Wright is the guy he wants on the mound, so there’s that.

Reserves

C, Stephen Vogt, Oakland Athletics

C, Brian McCann, New York Yankees

1B, Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals

1B, Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles

2B, Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners

2B, Ian Kinsler, Detroit Tigers

SS, Carlos Correa, Houston Astros

SS, Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians

3B, Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays

3B, Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

OF, Mark Trumbo, Baltimore Orioles

OF, Ian Desmond, Texas Rangers

OF, Carlos Beltran, New York Yankees

OF, Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox

Pitchers

LHP, Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox

LHP, Jose Quintana, Chicago White Sox

RHP, Masahiro Tanaka, New York Yankees

RHP, Chris Tillman, Baltimore Orioles

LHP, Cole Hamels, Texas Rangers

RHP, Danny Salazar, Cleveland Indians

RHP, Marco Estrada, Toronto Blue Jays

RHP, Roberto Osuna, Toronto Blue Jays

LHP, Zach Britton, Baltimore Orioles

RHP, Alex Colome, Tampa Bay Rays

RHP, Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals