Could a Struggling Diamondbacks Team Still Yield Two All-Star Starters?
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ season hasn’t unfolded as many predicted. Currently below .500, the team faces an uphill battle. Yet, despite the team’s overall struggles, a surprising narrative is emerging: the potential for not one, but two Diamondbacks – Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte – to earn starting spots in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. This isn’t just a hopeful fan fantasy; early projections from prominent baseball analysts are increasingly pointing towards this possibility, raising the question of whether individual brilliance can transcend team performance in the eyes of voters.
The Case for Corbin Carroll: A Rising Star’s Momentum
Corbin Carroll’s electrifying play has consistently drawn praise, even amidst the Diamondbacks’ challenges. Analysts like David Schoenfield at ESPN have already tabbed Carroll as a lock for an outfield starting role, citing his dynamic skillset. Carroll isn’t just a highlight reel; he’s a consistent producer, currently leading NL right fielders in home runs with 18 and boasting a .914 OPS, alongside 10 stolen bases and 44 runs scored. His combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess makes him a compelling choice for fans and players alike. The All-Star game is about showcasing the best, and Carroll is undeniably among that group.
Ketel Marte: The Underrated All-Star Contender
While Carroll’s inclusion is gaining widespread acceptance, Ketel Marte’s candidacy is sparking more debate. Injuries earlier in the season initially hampered his All-Star prospects, but his recent performance has been nothing short of exceptional. Matt Snyder of CBS Sports highlights Marte as the “best second baseman in baseball,” currently hitting .293/.416/.585 through 35 games. Snyder notes Marte’s impressive ability to draw walks while limiting strikeouts, a testament to his plate discipline. David Schoenfield echoes this sentiment, stating Marte is the best option at second base despite competition from Brendan Donovan, Brice Turang, and Nico Hoerner.
The key battle for Marte will be overcoming the WAR (Wins Above Replacement) deficit created by his time on the injured list. However, as he continues to accumulate games and maintain his current production, his case will only strengthen. The All-Star game isn’t just about season-long stats; it’s about recognizing current form, and Marte is arguably the hottest second baseman in the National League right now.
The Voting Landscape and Potential Snags
Voting for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game starters is already underway, running through July 2nd. However, the path to Atlanta’s Truist Park isn’t guaranteed for either Diamondbacks star. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, for example, favors Brendan Donovan over Marte at second base, acknowledging the tight competition. Jim Bowden of The Athletic also leans towards Donovan and Brice Turang as top options at the position. This highlights the subjective nature of the voting process and the importance of a strong fan turnout to support Carroll and Marte.
The All-Star Game is increasingly influenced by fan voting, meaning a dedicated fanbase can significantly impact the outcome. The Diamondbacks’ marketing team and passionate supporters will need to mobilize to ensure both players receive the recognition they deserve.
Beyond 2025: A Shift in All-Star Selection Criteria?
The increasing focus on individual performance, even within struggling teams, raises a broader question: is the All-Star Game evolving to prioritize showcasing the most exciting players, regardless of their team’s record? Traditionally, All-Star selections heavily favored players from contending teams. However, the current landscape suggests a growing appreciation for individual brilliance, even in the face of collective underperformance. This trend could lead to more unexpected selections in future years, rewarding players who consistently deliver exceptional results, even on losing teams. MLB.com provides ongoing updates on the voting process.
Ultimately, whether Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte become All-Star starters for the Arizona Diamondbacks remains to be seen. But their individual performances are undeniably worthy of consideration, and their potential inclusion would be a testament to the enduring power of individual excellence in a team sport. The coming weeks will be crucial as fans cast their votes and analysts continue to debate the merits of each candidate.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Carroll and Marte deserve to start in the 2025 All-Star Game? Share your predictions in the comments below!
