Bleacher Report's 2015 All-Star Game Roster Predictions 1 Month out

Summer's almost upon us, and with it comes the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.

There's still time to fill out your ballot, though if you're a Kansas City Royals booster, chances are you've already voted early and often. Based on the most recent fan voting results for the American League and National League, eight Royals are in line to start the game. 

That could (and should) change. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed lukewarm confidence in the process, saying that "in general over time fans have done a pretty good job," per ESPN.com.

That's code for: Come on, non-Royals fans, get in there and fix this.

Here's betting they will, to some extent.

Yes, multiple Royals will play in the Midsummer Classic, as well they should. Kansas City is the defending American League champ, after all, and the first-place club in the AL Central.

But the All-Star Game is about showcasing baseball's diverse array of stars from across all 30 teams. And, again, we're guessing when all is said and done, the final rosters will reflect that.

In fact, with a little less than one month until the fun begins at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park, let's go ahead and predict which players will represent their respective leagues.

Keep in mind, this is a list of names we think will make the AL and NL squads, not necessarily who we think should make it (though there's a lot of overlap between those two categories).

In making these predictions, we'll use the latest fan voting figures and player statistics, current injury news and knowledge of the managers who will help pick the pitchers and reserves (the Royals' Ned Yost and the San Francisco Giants' Bruce Bochy).

Plus, we'll add a dash of gut feeling, because if the All-Star Game is about anything, it's subjectivity. And, of course, vigorous debate.

Catcher

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

American League

Starter

Salvador Perez (KC): Based on the most recent tally, Salvador Perez has more than twice as many votes as his nearest competition, the Oakland Athletics' Stephen Vogt. You can quibble about Perez as a starter, but with 10 home runs and a .285 average, he's putting up the numbers to justify a roster spot.

Reserves

Stephen Vogt (OAK): One of the coolest stories of the season, Stephen Vogt continues to impress. Oakland's overachieving journeyman leads AL backstops in home runs (12), RBI (45) and OPS (.906).

Russell Martin (TOR): A native Canadian, Russell Martin has made himself at home with the Toronto Blue Jays, providing production at the plate and defense and leadership behind it.

Notable Snub: Brian McCann (NYY)

National League

Starter 

Buster Posey (SF): After missing the Midsummer Classic last year but winning another ring, Buster Posey is moving into honorary Derek Jeter territory, where he'll get All-Star starts by default. This year, he's the obvious pick based on the numbers, too. 

Reserves

Yadier Molina (STL): Yadier Molina's offensive production is down across the board, but he has the pedigree and widespread respect to receive a reserve spot, particularly from an old catcher like Bochy.

Derek Norris (SD): Derek Norris leads Senior Circuit catchers in RBI (39) and doubles (18) and has been better than advertised defensively, as MLB.com's Corey Brock noted in April.

Notable Snub: Wilson Ramos (WSH)

First Base

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American League

Starter

Miguel Cabrera (DET): Miguel Cabrera came in a close second to Eric Hosmer in the latest round of fan voting, but this ought to be the first of multiple instances where the Royals are ousted. Cabrera, quite simply, has superior numbers, including a 1.045 OPS.

Reserves

Eric Hosmer (KC): If justice is served and Cabrera overtakes Hosmer in the fan voting, expect Yost to give his first baseman a bench spot, which will be at least partly earned in a crowded field.

Prince Fielder (TEX): Once a candidate for a snub, Prince Fielder has hit his way into the mix with an incredible comeback season that has him batting a robust .344 with a .406 on-base percentage and 47 RBI.

Notable Snub: Albert Pujols (LAA)

National League

Starter

Paul Goldschmidt (ARI): First base in the NL might be the deepest position in either league, but lately, Paul Goldschmidt has separated himself from the pack. At present, the D-Backs slugger leads NL first basemen in virtually every offensive category, including home runs (19), RBI (54) and OPS (1.160).

Reserves

Adrian Gonzalez (LAD): Adrian Gonzalez has slowed down a bit after a torrid start, but the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger remains one of the most dangerous left-handed swingers in the game.

Anthony Rizzo (CHI): On a Cubs team laden with budding stars, Anthony Rizzo has reminded the league why he was an All-Star and a top-10 MVP finisher last season.

Notable Snub: Freddie Freeman (ATL)

Second Base

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American League

Starter

Jose Altuve (HOU): Of all the Royals-related injustices, this one is by far the most egregious. Kansas City's Omar Infante leads Jose Altuve by more than 300,000 votes at last count, despite the fact that Altuve possesses superior numbers and superior skill.

To put it even more bluntly, let's quote Stephanie Kuzydym of the Houston Chronicle: "If the All-Star Game voting were over, the reigning MLB batting champion wouldn't be starting at second base. The Royals' Omar Infante, whose OPS is the worst among American League second basemen, would."

Reserves

Jason Kipnis (CLE): With a .333 average and .906 OPS, Jason Kipnis is simply too good to ignore on a Cleveland team that has so far failed to live up to the Sports Illustrated jinx/hype.

Dustin Pedroia (BOS): Dustin Pedroia is enjoying a nice year with a .307/.369/.451 slash line, even as his Red Sox are wallowing in last place in the AL East.

Notable Snub: Brian Dozier (MIN)

National League

Starter

Dee Gordon (MIA): Dee Gordon was hitting over .400 as recently as May 19. While his production has tapered off since then, and the St. Louis Cardinals' Kolten Wong has made gains in fan voting, the Marlins speedster still looks like the favorite to sprint ahead of the pack.

Reserves

Kolten Wong (STL): If Wong doesn't overtake Gordon for a starting role, he'll surely make the team as a backup.

Joe Panik (SF): On the surface, this smacks of nepotism, but San Francisco's second-year second baseman is actually worthy: He ranks among the top five NL players at his position in home runs (6), batting average (.311), doubles (15) and OPS (.843).

Notable Snub: DJ LeMahieu (COL)

Third Base

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

American League

Starter

Mike Moustakas (KC): The man they call Moose isn't the most qualified AL third baseman, but he has a commanding lead in the fan voting. And, to be fair, his impressive .323/.378/.463 slash line makes him a viable recipient.

Reserves

Josh Donaldson (TOR): With 17 home runs and a .918 OPS, Josh Donaldson should be the starter at the hot corner, at least until mashing Rangers phenom Joey Gallo has a full season under his belt. 

Manny Machado (BAL): Injuries and bouts of immaturity have limited Manny Machado in the past, but the Orioles' talented young third baseman is putting it together so far with an .842 OPS, 13 home runs and nine stolen bases, lately out of the leadoff spot.

Notable Snub: Kyle Seager (SEA)

National League

Starter

Matt Carpenter (STL): The leader at third base in the NL by more than 2 million votes, Matt Carpenter looks like a sure bet to make his third straight All-Star team at the hot corner for the Redbirds.

Reserves

Nolan Arenado (COL): Nolan Arenado is the Colorado Rockies' best option for an All-Star representative (remember, each club gets one). But he's also more than deserving, as he paces NL third basemen with 51 RBI, ranks second at the position with 16 home runs and consistently flashes one of the best gloves in the game.

Todd Frazier (CIN): With 22 home runs and a 1.000 OPS, Todd Frazier has compiled the numbers needed to play in front of his hometown Cincinnati fans, even if he might be traded soon after.

Notable Snub: Kris Bryant (CHI)

Shortstop

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American League

Starter

Alcides Escobar (KC): Shortstop in both leagues is something of a crapshoot. So—surprise, surprise—the leader in the AL is a Royal. Alcides Escobar doesn't have the best numbers among a mediocre bunch, but he does hold a nearly 3 million vote edge because, well, Kansas City. 

Reserve

Jose Iglesias (DET): With a .333/.383/.403 slash line and nine stolen bases, Iglesias will make the team as the cream of a so-so crop.

Notable Snub: Xander Bogaerts (BOS)

National League

Starter

Jhonny Peralta (STL): The shortstop situation in the NL is equally dicey (maybe that's why the top three picks in this year's MLB draft played the position). But veteran Jhonny Peralta is the statistical and vote-getting leader with a .311 batting average, 10 home runs and an .873 OPS.

Reserve

Brandon Crawford (SF): Bochy can take his entire keystone combo and feel good about it. Like Panik, Crawford is deserving with nine home runs, an NL shortstop-leading 40 RBI and rangy, flashy glove work.

Notable Snub: Troy Tulowitzki (COL)

Outfield

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American League

Starters

Mike Trout (LAA): The only non-Royal currently in line for a starting slot in the AL, reigning AL MVP Mike Trout is letting his bat do the (loud) talking.

Lorenzo Cain (KC): Cain is having a solid season, combining highlight-worthy leather with solid offensive contributions. But despite leading in the fan voting, he's not a surefire starter.

Alex Gordon (KC): See if this sounds familiar: Alex Gordon is having a solid season, combining highlight-worthy leather with solid offensive contributions. But despite leading in the fan voting, he's...you get the idea.

Reserves

Adam Jones (BAL): A deserving starter, Adam Jones could still slip into that role if fans rock the vote. But he'll make the squad regardless.

Yoenis Cespedes (DET): The Cuban slugger was destined to defend his Home Run Derby crown, but now he's on track to play in the game itself with a June upswing in which his average has climbed to .302 and his OPS to .827.

Michael Brantley (CLE): Michael Brantley paces all qualifying AL outfielders with 20 doubles and is tied with Trout for second with a .381 OBP.

Notable Snubs: Josh Reddick (OAK), Jose Bautista (TOR)

National League

Starters

Bryce Harper (WAS): By far the leading vote-getter, Bryce Harper is an All-Star lock. Is it the .344 average, the 22 home runs, the 52 RBI or the brash, magnetic personality? How about all of the above?

Giancarlo Stanton (MIA): Despite leading baseball with 24 home runs, Giancarlo Stanton just missed the cut in the most recent All-Star voting results. Unless the world is prepared to spin off its axis, the Marlins slugger will earn a spot in one of the few showcases worthy of his jaw-dropping talents.

Andrew McCutchen (PIT): Like Stanton, McCutchen—who opened the season in an uncharacteristically protracted slump—wouldn't be a starter if voting ended today. Here's betting (and hoping) the former NL MVP is able to remedy that between now and the final count.

Reserves

Justin Upton (SD): The revamped San Diego Padres are struggling to find their way, but trade acquisition Justin Upton is doing his part, clubbing 13 home runs in spacious Petco Park and swiping 12 bases.

Joc Pederson (LAD): The Los Angeles Dodgers rookie has mashed 17 home runs, more than any NL outfielder not named Giancarlo Stanton or Bryce Harper.

Nori Aoki (SF): A starter if the voting ended now, Aoki could still be a surprise All-Star with a .317 average that's fifth best in the NL. His place on the team will likely depend on the status of the Cardinals' Matt Holliday, a voting leader who's nursing a quadriceps injury.

Notable Snub: Starling Marte (PIT), Ryan Braun (MIL)

Designated Hitter

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

American League

Starter

Nelson Cruz (SEA): With 18 home runs, 41 RBI and a .933 OPS, you'd think Nelson Cruz would be the no-duh choice at DH. At the moment, however, he trails someone by more than a half-million votes, and no points for guessing it's Kendrys Morales of the Kansas City Royals. No offense to Morales, but this is another instance where sane baseball fans who want to watch the best players compete need to get out and vote.

Notable Snub: Alex Rodriguez (NYY)

National League

Starter

Joey Votto (CIN): The NL doesn't vote in a DH, meaning it'll choose one from its trove of talented non-starters. How about Joey Votto, a Comeback Player of the Year candidate and a sentimental favorite in Cincinnati?

Starting Pitchers

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American League

Starter

Dallas Keuchel (HOU): Predicting the starter of the All-Star Game is tough since it's influenced as much by who threw when and how much as it is by performance. All things being equal, though, it's hard not to hand it to Dallas Keuchel, who leads the AL in innings pitched (101.1) and owns a stingy 2.04 ERA for the club with the AL's best record.

Reserves

Chris Archer (TB), Sonny Gray (OAK), David Price (DET), Chris Sale (CHI), Felix Hernandez (SEA), Corey Kluber (CLE), Jake Odorizzi (TB)

David Price, Chris Sale, Felix Hernandez and Corey Kluber feel like automatic picks based on a combination of current performance and past pedigree, and you could probably toss Sonny Gray into that group as well.

Chris Archer is a candidate to start the game and, along with Jake Odorizzi, is a major reason why the Tampa Bay Rays are an unexpected leader in the AL East.

Notable Snub: Hector Santiago (LAA) 

National League

Starter

Max Scherzer (WAS): Max Scherzer has been everything the Nats hoped he'd be when they inked him to a seven-year, $210 million deal this winter. The ace right-hander owns a 1.93 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 93.1 innings pitched, numbers that certainly look All-Star-starter caliber.

Reserves

Gerrit Cole (PIT), Zack Greinke (LAD), Shelby Miller (ATL), Madison Bumgarner (SF), Clayton Kershaw (LAD), Johnny Cueto (CIN), Cole Hamels (PHI), Jacob deGrom (NYM)

Despite an up-and-down year, Clayton Kershaw leads the NL in strikeouts with 122. Madison Bumgarner has mostly looked like the snot-rocket-spewing stud who carried the Giants to another championship in November.

Jacob deGrom is proving last season's Rookie of the Year campaign was no fluke, while Gerrit Cole in Pittsburgh and Shelby Miler in Atlanta are delivering on their promise.

Johnny Cueto has a chance to thrill the hometown faithful while showcasing himself for potential trade partners. And Cole Hamels is likely to be the Phillies' lone All-Star.

Notable Snub: A.J. Burnett (PIT)

Relief Pitchers

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American League

Dellin Betances (NYY), Andrew Miller (NYY), Joakim Soria (DET), Huston Street (LAA), Glen Perkins (MIN)

The shutdown tandem of Dellin Betances (0.26 ERA) and Andrew Miller (17 saves in 17 chances) is a major reason why the Yankees are a factor in the AL East, though Miller is on the DL with a forearm strain.

Joakim Soria, Huston Street and Glen Perkins, meanwhile, have just four blown saves and nary an ERA over 2.50 between them.

Notable Snub: Zach Britton (BAL)

National League

Trevor Rosenthal (STL), Jeurys Familia (NYM), Aroldis Chapman (CIN), Francisco Rodriguez (MIL)

Trevor Rosenthal is 21-of-22 on save chances and owns a minuscule 0.59 ERA. Jeurys Familia has whiffed 34 in 32.1 innings to secure the Mets' closer job.

Aroldis Chapman throws smoke for the host Reds, while Francisco Rodriguez and his 1.13 ERA might be the best choice for a Milwaukee Brewers representative.

Notable Snub: Drew Storen (WSH)

All statistics current as of June 17 and courtesy of MLB.com unless otherwise noted.