Carlos Baerga knows a thing or two about what an All-Star looks like. The former Cleveland slugger made three of those teams himself during his prime. So when he says someone got snubbed, it’s worth listening.
The Guardians have three All-Stars heading to the game this year — Travis Bazzana, Parker Messick and Cade Smith. All three are first-timers. Jose Ramirez is usually the headliner, but he’s out with an injury this time. That opens up some room for debate about who else deserved the nod.
Baerga’s pick? Shortstop Brayan Rocchio.
“Rocchio, this year, he’s stepped up another level,” Baerga said, via Cleveland Guardians on SI. “He’s been special not just with the glove, with the bat… He’s been special.”
And the numbers back him up. Rocchio entered Thursday’s game against the Twins slashing .272/.343/.399 with seven homers, 13 doubles, two triples and 15 stolen bases. Not eye-popping power numbers, but he’s been showing up in big moments all season. His defense at short has been consistently solid, too.
The AL roster at shortstop is stacked, though. Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals is starting the game. Kevin McGonigle is the other shortstop on the squad. That’s tough competition. But Rocchio had a real case.
This isn’t just about one year either. The Guardians seem to have found their long-term guy at short. Rocchio is 25, he’s getting better and he’s the kind of player you build around. Cleveland’s been in a rough stretch lately, and he’s been doing everything he can to get them back on track before the break.
Maybe he didn’t get the All-Star nod this time. But if he keeps playing like this, it won’t be the last time his name comes up in that conversation.
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