Predicting the Starting Lineups for the 2028 MLB All-Star Game
Last year, we made predictions for the starting lineups in the 2027 All-Star Game. Now, we’re looking ahead to the 2028 game, five years away. While there will be some similarities to our previous list, a lot can change in a year, let alone five. Let’s take a guess at what the starting lineup will look like for the 2028 All-Star Game.
Catcher: Adley Rutschman, Orioles (age 25)
Rutschman has been extending the Orioles’ prospects through arbitration to avoid losing them in free agency. He will still be a year short of free agency in 2028, making him a safe bet for this position.
First Base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays (age 24)
Vlad Jr. will have reached free agency before 2028, but it’s hard to imagine the Blue Jays letting him go. If he stays in the American League, he’s the clear favorite for this spot. If he leaves, top A’s prospect Tyler Soderstrom could step in.
Second Base: Jace Jung, Tigers (age 22)
The younger brother of 2023 AL All-Star starter Josh Jung, Jace is the best second base prospect in the American League. With a thin pool of young players at this position, Jace’s potential and impressive swing make him the top choice.
Shortstop: Wander Franco, Rays (age 22)
Franco was our pick last year, and since then, he has emerged as an AL MVP candidate. With his young age and skill set, starting a game or two before 2028 is highly likely.
Third Base: Rafael Devers, Red Sox (age 26)
Devers recently signed a contract extension, ensuring his place in Boston through 2028. Other possibilities for this spot include Josh Jung, the Orioles’ Jordan Westburg, and José Ramírez, who will only be 35 then.
Outfield: Riley Greene, Tigers (age 22); Julio Rodríguez, Mariners (age 22); Mike Trout, Angels (age 31)
Rodríguez is a lock for one of the outfield spots, while Greene is an optimistic choice. The third spot comes down to whether Trout or Aaron Judge will still be healthy in 2028, with a slight edge given to Trout.
Designated Hitter: Yordan Alvarez, Astros (age 26)
Several candidates could fill this role, including Trout and Judge, depending on their health. However, Alvarez will likely be primarily a DH, making him the logical choice.
Starting Pitcher: Shane McClanahan, Rays (age 26)
Predicting young pitchers is always challenging, but McClanahan has shown promise. As long as his development continues, he could be a star pitcher.
For the National League:
Catcher: Francisco Alvarez, Mets (age 21)
Alvarez still has some work to do defensively, but his offensive skills are undeniable. With five more years to develop, he should be even more of an asset behind the plate.
First Base: Jordan Walker, Cardinals (age 21)
Walker has yet to play a Major League game at first base, but his frame makes it a logical position for him. By 2028, he could be the starter if Paul Goldschmidt has moved on from the Cardinals.
Second Base: Miguel Vargas, Dodgers (age 23)
Vargas has shown potential in his first few months with the Dodgers, generating excitement for his future in the league.
Shortstop: Elly De La Cruz, Reds (age 21)
While his exact position is up for debate, De La Cruz’s talent is unquestionable. He will likely be a centerpiece of baseball conversations for years to come.
Third Base: Austin Riley, Braves (age 26)
Though he hasn’t matched his performance from last year, Riley remains the best young player at this position. He will have some competition in the coming years, especially from Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Outfield: Ronald Coinage Jr., Braves (age 25); Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres (age 24); Corbin Carroll, D-backs (age 22)
Despite Juan Soto’s absence, the outfield will still be stacked with talented players. Coinage Jr., Tatis Jr., and Carroll have all shown incredible potential and could be All-Star Game starters.
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (age 28)
After his incredible performance in 2021, Ohtani has shown that he can dominate both as a pitcher and a hitter. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him filling the DH role in the 2028 All-Star Game.
Starting Pitcher: Zac Gallen, D-backs (age 27)
While it’s impossible to know for sure, Gallen has the potential to become a superstar pitcher. He has already shown glimpses of his abilities and could be a key player in 2028.
Of course, these predictions are just educated guesses. Baseball is unpredictable, and injuries and unexpected performances can always alter the course. Nonetheless, it’s exciting to imagine what the starting lineups for the 2028 MLB All-Star Game could look like.