A pair of backups at third base have been selected to join the American League All-Star team in Texas next week, but there are other options with strong arguments and places that live nearby.
Josh Smith batted over .300 two months ago and ranks in the top 30 in baseball in batting average (.292), OPS (.829), and doubles (19), which is second in the AL.
He added versatility to play multiple infield positions, with 22 of his 82 games played at shortstop and the rest at the hot corner.
Unfortunately for the 26-year-old Smith, that position is available on the AL roster. Rafael Devers (Red Sox) and Isaac Paredes (Rays) are backups behind American League starter Jose Ramirez (Guardians).
Smith helped save the Rangers without Josh Jung in the first half, but he may not get the Midsummer Classic home game in Texas that he deserves.
Smith does not have one big factor playing in his favor: AL manager Bruce Bochy also manages the Rangers and will help steer decisions if any injury replacement is required.
Here are other uninvited All-Stars worthy of consideration:
RHP Ronel Blanco, Astros
Speaking of rescue missions, where would Houston be today without Blanco’s dominant first half? The 30-year-old slugger rose to prominence with a no-hitter and owns an 8-3 record. He is also in the top eight in the American League in ERA (2.53) and WHIP (1.01). In 16 starts, nine were quality starts, and the Astros had 12 wins in games started by Blanco.
From Willi Castro, Twins
In a position overflowing with star power, Castro stepped up for a Minnesota club that had just one All-Star before injury replacements were added. Castro has 22 doubles, seven home runs, and 54 runs and will be a solid option for the last-inning pinch-runner task with some stellar speed stats: five triples and 10 steals.
RHP Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles
We ask for it; Baltimore has talent. But Rodriguez has a share of the American League lead with 11 wins, and the Orioles have just three players selected from a rich roster.
“I want to say a few things,” Rodriguez said Sunday after a strong start in Baltimore’s 6-3 win over Seattle. “But I can’t.”
Rodriguez isn’t the only member of Baltimore’s resurgence out in the cold. Anthony Santander has 23 home runs, closer Craig Kimbrel posted a 2.10 ERA and more than 13.5 Ks per nine innings, and yet another AL third baseman, Jordan Westburg, has posted numbers worthy of MVP consideration (39 extra base hits, 49 RBIs ) did he not play next to Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson.
DH Brent Rooker, Athletics
Speaking of late-game sub candidates, Rooker could be seen as a bat off the bench depending on lineup needs if injuries strike this week. Rooker has 18 home runs and 54 RBI and is not afraid to take the field. His on-base percentage is .353 and he’s smoking the ball at the right time, with 10 hits (three home runs) in 20 at-bats over the past six games.
1B Christian Walker, Diamondbacks
With 22 home runs and a current tear that left the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff with whiplash last week, Walker is one of the most obvious omissions in the National League. He’s no stranger to the scene, with 69 home runs combined in the two seasons before 2024, and he brings Gold Glove defense to boot.
SS Masyn Winn, Cardinal
Closer to Ryan Helsley, and MLB-leading 31 saves deserve a ticket to Texas, but Winn has an All-Star season and his contribution to the Cardinals remains afloat in the NL Central.
Slippery-fielding Winn, who is from Kingwood, Texas, would have enjoyed a home ticket to the break after making a push last week by batting .387 in seven games about which the percentage on base was . 457.