The biggest misconception about All-Star berths is that they’re essentially first-half awards, ignoring the full scope of a season. They make for a great storyline, but do they really compare to an All-MLB Team nod or a coveted individual award?
That’s why Kansas City Royals fans were more focused on Seth Lugo’s finish in the AL Cy Young voting or Bobby Witt Jr.’s place in the AL MVP race than on their brief trip to Texas for the Midsummer Classic last season.
Speaking of individual awards, the races are coming into sharper focus as the season hits the homestretch.