Okegoal.com - There will be a distinct lack of New York representation at this year’s All-Star Game in Seattle.
Despite the Mets and the Yankees boasting the two largest payrolls in Major League Baseball, exceeding $600 million in combined player salaries (as reported by Spotrac), their presence in the midsummer classic will be underwhelming.
The final luxury tax bills, expected to be determined later this year, will push their combined expenditure well over the $700 million mark.
Surprisingly, with all that financial muscle, both teams only managed to secure three players on the All-Star rosters this year, as announced on Sunday night.
The Yankees will be sending pitcher Gerrit Cole and the injured outfielder Aaron Judge, who is currently sidelined with a toe injury, while the Mets will be represented by first baseman Pete Alonso.
To put this into perspective, in the previous season when both teams were flourishing, they combined for an impressive 10 All-Star selections. The drop in representation this year is certainly noteworthy.
The Yankees, with a current record of 46-38 and positioned for the American League’s third wild-card spot, have historically been a constant presence at the All-Star Game.
Since its inception in 1933, the Yankees have had at least one player participate in an astonishing 90 out of the 92 All-Star Games.
However, due to injuries and the need for rest, it remains uncertain if they will have anyone donning the pinstripes at this year’s event.
Aaron Judge, elected as an All-Star starter for the American League, has been limited to just 49 games due to his toe injury, despite hitting 19 home runs during that time.
His return date remains unknown. On the other hand, Gerrit Cole, having an exceptional season with a 2.79 E.R.A., pitched on Sunday and would normally be scheduled to pitch next on Friday, leaving him with one day less of rest than usual.
However, with Carlos Rodón expected to come off the injured list and start Friday’s game, Cole’s schedule might be further altered, potentially providing him with even less time to recover before the All-Star Game.
Nonetheless, Cole expressed his intention to participate in the game, stating his desire to eventually start an All-Star Game.
He acknowledged the many deserving candidates vying for the opportunity, including former Yankee Nathan Eovaldi, who is performing exceptionally for the Texas Rangers, and Shohei Ohtani, the electrifying two-way superstar from the Los Angeles Angels who started for the American League last year.
As for the Mets, who have been a colossal disappointment this season with a 38-46 record despite their hefty payroll, Pete Alonso stands as their lone representative.
Although Alonso’s .221 batting average is the worst of his career, and he trails outfielder Brandon Nimmo and shortstop Francisco Lindor in wins above replacement, his 25 home runs rank him second in the National League, only behind Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves.
Adding to his All-Star participation, Alonso also announced his inclusion in the Home Run Derby, an event in which he has excelled in the past.
Having claimed victory in 2019 and 2021 and reaching the quarterfinals last year, Alonso’s impressive performance sets him apart.
While the derby format changes annually, making comparisons challenging, his total of 174 home runs across three contests remains the most in the event’s history.
Manager Buck Showalter believes that the All-Star selection and participation in the Home Run Derby could serve as a catalyst for Alonso to break out of his recent slump.
Showalter expressed his support for Alonso, acknowledging the player’s exceptional talent and unfortunate run of bad luck. He sees this opportunity as a timely reminder of Alonso’s true abilities.
The Mets entered the season with high hopes of contending for a World Series title. However, owner Steven A.
Cohen recently conceded that the team could become sellers at the trading deadline, highlighting their unexpected struggles.
Adding insult to injury, the Atlanta Braves, who have spent over $100 million less than their division rival, hold an 18.5-game lead over the Mets in the National League East and will send a league-leading eight players to the All-Star Game.