Washington Nationals: Predicting the home team all-stars

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In exactly two months time, the Washington Nationals will be hosting the 2018 All-Star Game. But which Nats will represent the hosts in the big event?

The All-Star Game exactly two months away, taking place at the home of the Washington Nationals on July 17th. It will be the first time the summer classic has been hosted in the nation’s capital for almost 50 years.

Since the team became a fixture in the playoff picture in 2012, the National League All-Star team has always been littered with Nats. And now with the chance to represent the team in their home ballpark, it’ll be an even more momentous occasion.

Last season, the Nats sent five players to the All-Star Game, the joint most of any National League team. Ryan Zimmerman, Daniel Murphy, Bryce Harper, Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg all went to Miami representing the team.

All of the above except Strasburg started the game, showing just how good the Nationals top-end talent is. Even then, they could have had yet another all-star but Anthony Rendon missed out during the final vote to Justin Turner.

So how does the 2018 crop from D.C. stack up to last year? Well injuries may somewhat reduce the amount, with some key players on the shelf.

Adam Eaton started the season strong, and although it was a small sample, he certainly had a shot. While Murphy, who went to the last two All-Star games, has still yet to feature for the big league club so far leaving him next to no chance.

Let’s dive in and take a look at who we think is heading to the summer classic. At the end, we’ll also see who has a chance, but right now is on the outside looking in.

Max Scherzer seems a lock for the team

This is probably the easiest decision when we predict who’s going to make the cut from the Washington Nationals. Despite his incredible career, Max Scherzer is on course to shatter some of his career bests in the 11th year of his career.

He’s been to the All-Star game in five straight seasons now, two with the Detroit Tigers, and three with the Nats.

He should easily succeed in making it a sixth straight appearance. But the interesting question is, will he start the game in front of his home crowd?

He did so last season and appears the be the clear front-runner to do so again this time around. With his main competition Clayton Kershaw currently injured and having no timetable to return, Scherzer has the upper hand. And that’s still the case if the Dodgers ace returns on time too.

Take a deep breath here. He leads the National League in wins, strikeouts, WHIP, batting average against, on base percentage against and K/9. Yes, all of them.

Right now, there are only two things that can prevent him from starting the game. Pitching a few days before, but it’s doubtful the Nats will let that happen. Leaving injury as the only way that he will realistically not be starting this game.

It’s going to be quite an atmosphere if Mad Max throws that first pitch in his home ballpark.

Is Bryce Harper’s slump going to stop him?

Despite a .232 batting average, Bryce Harper appears on the verge of a breakout at the plate. But will this low average be a factor in the all-star voting?

It will affect him a little, but even if he only raises his average a little he should still make the cut as a starter. He’s the joint-leader in the majors for home runs, and leads the league in walks. So even a small boost in AVG will put him in the top 10 in most hitting categories.

With A.J. Pollock injured and Giancarlo Stanton now in the junior circuit, there’s two less star-studded outfielders to compete with. This makes the pool thinner than you may think.

And if we’re being honest, as long as you’re statistics are good enough when you’re already an established superstar, you’ll keep getting the votes. So expect Harper to take his regular place in right field at Nationals Park for the big day on July 17th.

He also intends to partake in the Home Run Derby the day before too, for the first time in five years. The last time he took part in 2013, he lost in the final to then Oakland Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.

But in his home stadium he may be able to go one step further and take home the crown this time. And we should also look forward to seeing Bryce Harper starting in right field the next day too.

Trea Turner set for ASG bow

After the two certainties in Harper and Scherzer, it gets trickier. But with the season he’s having so far, Trea Turner would more than deserve a spot on the team, if not starting.

The young shortstop would’ve hoped to make the squad last season in his first full big league year. But an early season hamstring injury, followed by a fractured wrist in June ruled that out.

This season has been a much better story, playing in all but one of the Washington Nationals’ games so far. And boasts a pretty impressive stat line to boot.

He has a .270 AVG, .380 OBP, 26 runs and 13 stolen bases this season. In Eaton’s absence, the speedster has been the ideal prototypical leadoff hitter for the Nats.

Turner has really matured in 2018, and looks to have top spot in the lineup locked up, even when Eaton returns. This is due to his vastly improved plate discipline, taking a lot more walks. This year he has 28 walks and just 31 strikeouts, only 2 walks shy of his 2017 total in 55 fewer games.

His primary competition as shortstop is the Chicago Cubs’ Javier Baez, who has also improved a lot this year. Baez has an advantage with the glove, but Turner has the edge with the bat. It’s a tough position to call.

But regardless of who gets the starting nod, Turner should at least make it as a reserve.

Sean Doolittle dominating in relief

In 2018 the Washington Nationals have a lock-down back-end of the bullpen for the first time in a long time. And Sean Doolittle has been a big part of that, making the closer’s role his own.

The bullpen cart aficionado has been near-dominant since joining the team in the trade with the Oakland Athletics. So much so that in a recent article on MLB.com article by Mike Petriello, he was labelled the best reliever in baseball.

And as such, he should easily make the All-Star Game to represent the Nationals. So far with the Nats he’s recorded 30 saves in 31 opportunities, including a perfect 9 of 9 this season.

The leftie was a great reliever in Oakland, but it seems he’s taken a step forward this year to the very top tier. He’s on course to set career bests in K/9 with 13.5 and WHIP with 0.536. Striking out that many batters, and allowing such a low number of base-runners, is the sign of a legitimately elite closer.

Usually five or six relievers make each team’s pitching staff for the big game. This means there’s a good chance of Doolittle getting onto team, even with dominant arms such as Josh Hader and Wade Davis in the mix for the senior circuit.

Were he to do so, he would be the first Nationals reliever to make the team since Tyler Clippard was there in 2011. Not a huge surprise it’s been that long given some of the team’s bullpen troubles in recent years.

The home faithful will look forward to a chance to unleash the Dooooo chants in the big game. With Doolittle becoming a real fan favorite at Nats Park, the fans would love an opportunity to celebrate their lights out closer.

On the outside looking in

As of right now, we predict that only four Washington Nationals players will make it onto the All-Star team. But that doesn’t mean that others aren’t close. So who’s on the bubble?

Matt Adams in the conversation

Matt Adams has been the biggest surprise of the season for the Nats, becoming one of the most potent bats on the team. But in our predictions right now, he just misses out.

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has been at the heart of their revival this season, and is putting up MVP numbers. He’ll likely be the starter at first base.

And the NL may need a bench spot here to get a team’s representative in. This could be either Brandon Belt or Joey Votto, who’s team’s lack other options.

Rendon a victim of position

Unfortunately, popular third baseman Anthony Rendon may be in a similar spot to last season. And his case hasn’t been helped by a brief disabled list stint either.

With Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant forming quite the one-two punch for NL third baseman, Rendon would need quite the run to get there. There’s still over a month left until the teams are finalized, but he’s left himself a lot to do after the toe injury.

Gio Gonzalez close but no cigar

We could’ve easily had Stephen Strasburg here, but he’s publicly said he may skip it this time. So Gio Gonzalez may end up being the Nationals starter to get the snub for the game.

He’s been getting great results during his outings this season, with a 4-2 record and 2.36 ERA. The leftie has also been striking out more than a batter per inning, becoming a great third starter for the Nationals.

But much like Rendon, his position has plenty of top-end talents that may pip him in the end. But also, there are doubts as to whether Gonzalez can keep up his fine season while allowing so many base-runners.

Next: Harper breakout imminent

The summer classic is going to be a huge moment for the Washington Nationals, as they host their first All-Star Game since returning to the capital. And hopefully, plenty of their players will be on show for the home crowd.

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