2022 MLB All-Star Game: Who Made the Roster?

The MLB All-Star Game is quickly approaching, allowing fans to take a brief break from analyzing World Series odds to watch legends from the National League take on the stars of the American League at Dodger Stadium. 

After two voting phases, the starting lineups were announced on Friday night, revealing which fan favorites are headed to Los Angeles to compete on July 19. The pitchers and reserves were released on Sunday, completing the All-Star rosters.

In 2022, each league has 32 roster spots — 20 position players, 12 pitchers, and one special selection. While the nine starters were selected via fan voting, the remaining positions were chosen by player ballots and the Commissioner’s Office, stipulating that each team in the MLB must be represented in the All-Star Game by at least one player.

Prior to the announcement on Friday night, MLB revealed that Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera will participate as special selection players, competing on the NL and AL teams, respectively.

ALBERT PUJOLS HITS HOMER NO. 684!!!

TV: Bally Sports Midwest
Stream: https://t.co/COTPcsovYL#STLCards pic.twitter.com/nd79J3dtpc

— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) July 10, 2022

The starting pitcher for each team will be chosen by the league managers — Atlanta Braves’ Brian Snitker for the NL Team and Houston Astros’ Dusty Baker for the AL Team — and will be announced the day before the All-Star Game. 

Justin Verlander (AL) and Tony Gonsolin (NL) currently lead the MLB in wins with 11 games each and are current favorites to start on the mound for their respective teams.

So, with 30 first-timers included on the 2022 All-Star rosters, who made the cut?

American League Starters

American League Pitchers and Reserves

As the top vote-getter from first-round voting, the Yankees’ Aaron Judge was the first confirmed starter for the AL team. He is currently leading the MLB in home runs this season, with 30 already under his belt. Similarly impressive, this is Mike Trout’s ninth consecutive All-Star Game, which is the longest streak of any active player.

Although there are 18 first-time All-Stars on the AL team, Alejandro Kirk is the only first-timer in the league’s starting lineup, a massive achievement for the 23-year-old who only debuted in the majors in September of 2020. This season, Kirk is batting .309 with an OPS of .876, with 10 home runs and 33 RBI. 

Alejandro Kirk does it again! His solo home run to left-center extends Toronto’s lead to two in Chicago. #NextLevel #ChangeTheGame #BlueJays #WhiteSox #MLB pic.twitter.com/Erqwzl8gT4

— Baseball Today (@dailymlbtweets) June 22, 2022

Also from the Blue Jays, this will be Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s second All-Star appearance, winning the All-Star MVP in 2021 as the youngest ever recipient.

The reigning AL MVP, Shohei Ohtani, will make his second consecutive start as a designated hitter, having made history in 2021 as the first player to be an All-Star as both a pitcher and a hitter. Currently batting .256 with an OPS of .833, Ohtani has hit 19 home runs this season with 54 RBI. On the mound, his ERA is currently sitting at 2.44 with a WHIP of 0.99 and 111 strikeouts. Like in 2021, he is the only 2022 All-Star who will appear as both a pitcher and a hitter.

Every time Shohei Ohtani takes the field, there's a chance you'll see something never seen on a baseball diamond before. pic.twitter.com/U3JrPzl1um

— MLB (@MLB) July 7, 2022

National League Starters

National League Pitchers and Reserves

There are 12 first-time All-Stars representing the National League in 2022, with two in the starting lineup. Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins is the only first-year All-Star on the fan-voted NL starting lineup and the first-ever All-Star from the Bahamas.

As the top NL vote-getter from first-round voting, Ronald Acuña Jr. was the first confirmed starter for the team. Currently batting .274 with an OPS of .802, Acuña Jr. has hit eight home runs this season with 22 RBI.

This ball should land sometime early next week.@ronaldacunajr24 | #ForTheA pic.twitter.com/yGLBoanVnm

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 9, 2022

Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies won the fan vote to start as the designated hitter for the NL, but due to a fractured left thumb, he is unable to play. The Braves’ William Contreras was elected by the players to take his place, marking his first selection as an All-Star. He will play alongside his brother, Willson Contreras, making them the first brothers to appear in the same All-Star Game since Aaron and Bret Boone in 2003.