Bryce Harper’s Defense Is a Mess. Ken Rosenthal Still Wants Him in the All-Star Game.

The Philadelphia Phillies were supposed to be done. They started the season flat, looked like a team that might spend October on the couch, and then they fired manager Rob Thomson. Since then? The Phillies have ripped off enough wins to climb into second place in the National League East. They’re 49-38 and suddenly feel dangerous again.

So when the All-Star Game rolls around next month, the conversation shifts: Which Phillies actually deserve to go? MLB insider Ken Rosenthal weighed in for The Athletic, and his list includes a mix of no-brainers and a couple of curveballs.

Wheeler and Sanchez get the nod

Zack Wheeler is obvious. He’s been one of the best pitchers in baseball for years now, and his numbers this season back it up. Christopher Sanchez, though, is the interesting pick. The lefty has quietly put together a strong season, and Rosenthal sees him as deserving of a roster spot alongside Wheeler in the National League bullpen. Reliever Jhoan Duran also made the cut, which makes sense given his electric stuff in high-leverage spots.

The Harper situation is complicated

Bryce Harper is hitting. Like, really hitting. His .908 OPS entering Wednesday ranked ninth in the majors. Rosenthal noted that would be Harper’s highest mark since 2021. But there’s a catch: Harper is also last among first basemen in Outs Above Average. He’s been a defensive liability at a position he’s still learning. Rosenthal basically shrugged at that, writing, “no one watches an All-Star Game to see first basemen pick balls out of the dirt.” He added that playing in his home park — the game is in Philadelphia this year — Harper will “try like heck to do something dramatic — and chances are, he’ll pull it off.”

It’s hard to argue with the logic. All-Star Games are for show. Harper puts on a show.

Schwarber vs. Ohtani at DH

Kyle Schwarber is listed as the backup designated hitter for the National League behind Shohei Ohtani, who will start after leading all NL vote-getters. But here’s the stat that jumps out: Schwarber leads Ohtani in home runs 30-18. Their OPS numbers are nearly identical. Rosenthal admitted that Ohtani starting is a lock, but he added, “I know it won’t happen, but it would be cool to see Schwarber as the starter in his home park.”

That would be electric. It’s also not happening. Still, having Schwarber in the building as a reserve gives the home crowd something to cheer for.

The Phillies play the Pirates on Thursday. They’ve won seven of their last 10. The All-Star Game is set for July 14. If the season ended today, Philadelphia would be in the playoff picture. And if Rosenthal’s picks hold up, a handful of those guys will be in uniform for the Midsummer Classic too.