The Philadelphia Phillies’ dramatic turnaround has been impressive. After opening the season with a 9-19 record under Rob Thomson, he was dismissed and Don Mattingly took over as interim manager. Since Mattingly stepped in, the team has gone 27-11 and climbed into the second National League wild card spot.
Many players have fueled this resurgence, but outfielder Brandon Marsh has arguably been the most consistent. That makes his omission from an early MLB All-Star prediction list all the more puzzling.
Voting has just begun, and the Phillies are expected to have several All-Star representatives. Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required) recently released his picks, naming four of Marsh’s teammates: first baseman Bryce Harper, designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez, and closer Jhoan Duran.
Brandon Marsh deserves All-Star consideration
Each of those four is a worthy All-Star. But since every MLB team must have at least one representative, some deserving players inevitably get left out of the Midsummer Classic.
In Bowden’s initial roster projection, that’s exactly what happens to Marsh. The National League roster includes three right fielders, three center fielders, and one left fielder. The starters are James Wood (Nationals), Andy Pages (Dodgers), and Juan Soto (Mets) in right, center, and left, respectively. The reserves are Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks), Jordan Walker (Cardinals), Michael Harris II (Braves), and Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs).
Marsh faces some tough luck here. Walker, Crow-Armstrong, and Soto are the lone All-Star picks from their teams. For Marsh to improve his chances, a teammate of one of those players would need to outshine them. Soto is nearly a lock regardless, and Walker is enjoying a breakout age-24 season. Crow-Armstrong made the cut largely for elite defense, but he could be overtaken.
Much can change before the final All-Star rosters are announced, and Marsh will keep building his case. Through 61 games and 232 plate appearances, he’s slashing .333/.366/.514 with a 139 OPS+. Those would all be career highs if sustained. His 22.8% strikeout rate is a career low, and his 3.4% home run rate ties his best. He also continues to post historic success on balls in play, with a .405 average this year.
As a uniquely productive and well-rounded player, an All-Star nod would cement Marsh’s place among the game’s elite.
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