Former MLB GM Reveals Red Sox’s Top All-Star Candidate originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox haven’t been very good as a whole this year, but they’ve still had several standout performers.
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Willson Contreras is having an All-Star-caliber year in the lineup, while much of the rotation has performed at an All-Star level.
However, the Red Sox’s best player this year has arguably been Aroldis Chapman. He’s converted all 13 of his save opportunities, posting a 0.46 ERA with 26 strikeouts and a 0.92 WHIP in 19 2/3 innings.
Accordingly, former MLB GM Jim Bowden thinks Chapman is Boston’s best All-Star candidate this year.
“The Red Sox have several pitchers who will receive consideration, but Chapman is the most likely to get an All-Star nod,” Bowden wrote for The Athletic on Monday (subscription required).
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Per Major League rules, every team gets at least one All-Star representative. The Red Sox may end up with multiple, but Chapman seems like their most compelling candidate at the moment.
If he does get selected, it will be his ninth career All-Star appearance. Fans do not vote for pitchers, as hurlers are selected by a combination of active players, coaches and the MLB commissioner’s office.
The 2026 MLB All-Star Game will take place on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
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