​The real MLB All-Star teams are already out, and fans have spent ample time picking apart every selection. For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, here are the players who would constitute the All-Star lineup if only the first-half fantasy production mattered. Dive into Derby Pick ’Em: cast your bets for Monday’s marquee event.
Ben Rice, C, Yankees: Rice has been the most valuable catcher by a wide margin, leading the position in home runs, RBIs, and runs scored. Astonishingly, he has also been the second-most valuable hitter in the American League.
Nick Kurtz, 1B, Athletics: Batting in the top two spots in the order has paid dividends for Kurtz, placing him among a handful of players with at least 20 homers, 60 RBIs, and 60 runs. The slugger has also contributed seven steals.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B, Yankees: It’s notable that the top-12 second basemen play in the National League, yet Chisholm sits outside the top-100 overall and is hitting .223, widely regarded as a fantasy bust this season. Still, his power-speed combination (13 homers, 26 steals) is sufficient to narrowly edge out Brayan Rocchio and Brooks Lee for the top spot in this shallow group.
Junior Caminero, 3B, Rays: Caminero earned this spot largely thanks to an scorching 11-game stretch from June 23 to July 4, during which he totaled 11 homers and 22 RBIs. His other 83 games (17 HR, 37 RBIs) have been solid-to-good, rather than outright elite.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Royals: For a second consecutive year, the immensely talented Witt has posted outstanding fantasy numbers while delivering modest real-world plate results (an .816 OPS). His five-category value is highlighted by ranking second in baseball with 30 stolen bases.
Yordan Álvarez, OF, Astros: The MVP of both the American League and fantasy leagues, Álvarez leads the Junior Circuit in homers (31) and RBIs (70). His 1.059 OPS is the best in baseball. Here’s hoping a consistently healthy season finally follows for the injury-prone slugger.
Byron Buxton, OF, Twins: Speaking of injury risk, Buxton earns this spot while currently on the injured list. A return to health could be transformative; when healthy, he has been a force (25 homers, .904 OPS).
Randy Arozarena, OF, Mariners: While not dominating any single category, Arozarena has epitomized five-category production (11 HR, 45 RBIs, 59 runs, 19 SB, .286 average). He stands among Alvarez and Buxton as one of the three AL outfielders in the top tier of fantasy value.
Miguel Vargas, DH, White Sox: A standout waiver-wire pickup across many leagues, Vargas has finally delivered on his potential by maximizing his power (21 HR) and showing aggressive baserunning (11 steals). He has been consistently productive, posting OPS figures ranging from .791 to .892 in every month this season.
Cam Schlitter, SP, Yankees: The current favorite for the AL Cy Young, Schlittler leads the Junior Circuit in ERA and WHIP, underscoring his dominance on the mound. He’s been the blueprint for fantasy excellence, anchoring the Yankees’ rotation with elite peripherals and durable volume.