Baltimore Orioles: 3 Players Deserving of an All-Star Spot

May 25, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins (31) hits a two-RBI single during the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins (31) hits a two-RBI single during the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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The Baltimore Orioles have not looked good as a team for most of the 2021 season. However, these individual players deserve to make the All-Star Game

The Baltimore Orioles, like many years in recent history, have not looked good. Prior to the win on June 1, the team had lost their last 14 games, the longest losing drought by an MLB team since 2013. However, it has not been all bad news for the rebuilding organization. The Orioles have some incredible talent despite holding the worst record in Major League Baseball.

With the launch of balloting for the MLB All-Star Game on Thursday, here are three Orioles who should find themselves representing the American League.

John Means, P, Baltimore Orioles

This one should be the most obvious. John Means has been the best pitcher Baltimore has had in a very long time.

Means, 28, started his first Major League Baseball game with the Orioles in 2018. The start was one that he would seemingly like to forget, as the left-hander gave up 5 earned runs in three innings. Means would not see the diamond again until 2019.

During the 2021 season, Means has been on a hot streak. In 11 games started this season, Means is 4-1, has an ERA of 2.05, and 68 strikeouts in 70.1 innings pitched.

Means made history during the month of May. On May 5, 2021, against the Seattle Mariners, Means pitched the first no-hitter of his career. Means was just a dropped third strike away from a perfect game. It was the first no-hitter for Baltimore since 1991.

Means is no stranger to the All-Star Game, having been selected to his first in 2019. If last season wasn’t ravaged by a pandemic, it’s very likely that Means would have made it for a second consecutive season.

Cedric Mullins, CF, Baltimore Orioles

Cedric Mullins is another player who should find himself in the Mile High City. His 2019 season was not great and 2020 was cut short due to the pandemic, but so far in 2021, he has performed incredibly well.

In 56 games this season, Mullins, 26, has 64 hits, six home runs, and 14 RBIs. The speedy base stealer can also bunt for hits and even made it to third base on a pop-up.

However, what gets talked about most when breaking down Mullins’ game is his elite defense. In the shortened 2020 season, Mullins has 137 putouts, 140 defensive chances, and a 1.000 fielding percentage.

Expect Mullins to continue playing at a high level, even if the Orioles fall out of contention.

Trey Mancini, 1B, Baltimore Orioles

If any single player on the Orioles is most deserving of an All-Star spot, it’s Trey Mancini.

In March of 2020, Mancini was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Mancini sat out the 2020 season and was unsure if he would be able to play baseball again. Mancini’s return to baseball in 2021 after beating cancer sent shockwaves around the league. Fans, players, and even those on the opposing sidelines cheered him on as he stepped into the batter’s box for the first time in over a year.

Mancini, 29, was moved to first base this season. Mostly known for being a defensive playmaker in the outfield, he did not let the position swap impact his defensive numbers. So far this season, Mancini has 221 putouts, turned 15 double plays, and has a fielding percentage of .996.

Mancini has proven himself to be a threat at the plate as well, having racked up 57 hits, 11 home runs, and 44 RBIs in his return to Major League Baseball.

Mancini will continue to awe fans and may not only find himself in the All-Star Game but may also become the MLB’s Comeback Player of the Year.

Next. Series Preview: Baltimore Orioles vs. Cleveland Indians. dark

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