The Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker are practically shoo-ins for the All-Star Game this year, leading National League outfielders in voting with a little over a week left in Phase 1.
It would be Tucker’s fourth straight All-Star nod and the first of Crow-Armstrong’s career.
“It’d be cool,” Tucker said of the possibility of sharing that experience with his outfield mate. “He hasn’t gotten this first yet, but obviously, there’s plenty of time for him to get a lot of them.”
The Cubs were well represented up and down the ballot when MLB released its first update on the team’s Monday off day.
Phase 1 of the fan vote concludes June 26. The top two vote-getters in each position group (top six outfielders) in each league advance to Phase 2, which will determine the All-Star starters. Winners will be announced July 2.
Pitchers and reserves are chosen via the player ballot and commissioner’s office selections.
Three Cubs are in position to advance to the next round if voting trends hold: Crow-Armstrong, Tucker and catcher Carson Kelly. Three more – designated hitter Seiya Suzuki, second baseman Nico Hoerner and first baseman Michael Busch – sit in third place in their position groups.
The trade that sent Rafael Devers from the American League (Red Sox) to the National league (Giants) bumped Suzuki out of position, with Devers taking over the No. 2 spot in DH balloting, behind Shohei Ohtani.
Rookie Matt Shaw was polling at No. 4 among NL third basemen, and shortstop Dansby Swanson at No. 5 among his peers. Left fielder Ian Happ was No. 11 among NL outfielders.
“I take pride in being able to say I’m one of many Cubbies that are getting a really nice nod, because most of everybody in this clubhouse deserves those votes,” Crow-Armstrong said. “So I would like to see a lot of us get sent to Atlanta.
“But if it happens, it happens. And if it doesn’t, oh well, we all get a week off and a nice little reset.”
Crow-Armstrong (1,126,119 votes)
Crow-Armstrong has a dominant lead among NL outfielders, with Tucker (704,740) in a comfortable position at No.2.
“He defines what being an All-Star is,” Hoerner said of Crow-Armstrong, “in both the way that he’s performed statistically, but also the way that he engages with fans, the personality has, the way he’s impacted winning, the moments that he’s had. It’s an All-Star first half, if I’ve ever seen one, and I’m just excited to see how he continues.”
Among Crow-Armstrong’s long list of accomplishments this season, he was the first to join the 15-15 club, with an impressive showing of home runs and stolen bases. His 18 home runs entering Tuesday was tied for No. 7 in the majors.
Would he participate in the home run derby if asked?
“No, that’s not for me,” Crow-Armstrong said. “That’s a different kind of power. I don’t know if I can withstand however long the timer is there. That would be a struggle.”
Tucker (704,740)
Playing with a team besides the Astros for the first time in his career, Tucker is in position to add one more All-Star selection to his resume before hitting free agency this offseason – barring a surprise contract extension. This year would be Tucker’s first representing the National League.
“I wasn’t able to go last year, so that part kind of sucked,” said Tucker, who was hurt through the 2024 All-Star break. “But anytime you’re recognized like that, to be able to play in the All-Star Game, it’s a really special achievement. Should be a lot of fun.”
Kelly (408,081)
Kelly likely won’t pass the Dodgers’ Will Smith (1,124,629) in voting to claim the starting spot behind the plate. But his strong start to the season should put him under serious consideration for a reserve role.
“It would be extremely special to be able to represent the Cubs and go be an All-Star,” he told the Sun-Times. “You watch the All-Star game as a kid, and you see all these great players, and to be able to go to that would be a dream come true. But at the same time, we’ve got a lot of games to go, and a lot of games to go win.”
