2024 MLB All-Star Voting: Where do Baltimore Orioles players stand on first ballot?

MLB.com released its first MLB All-Star Ballot update of the 2024 season, and it should make Baltimore Orioles fans pretty happy. They have a player in the top-five of every position in the field (matched only by the Phillies). Plus, if this were the final ballot, Baltimore would unsurprisingly have two starters in the All-Star game lineup — Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson.

The question, though, is whether or not the Orioles players (including Rutschman and Henderson) are being properly voted for. Are they over-voted, under-popularized or perfectly placed after the first round of voting? Let's break it down by position.

MLB All-Star Game Voting: How are Orioles players doing?

Adley Rutschman (Catcher): first place

Rutschman is the top vote-getter out of all Orioles players in the initial All-Star Ballot update and No. 3 overall in the American League behind Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. We all know he brings a lot of winning to the table, as he just experienced his first career (losing) sweep less than a month ago. He seems to be one of those guys who has a clutch factor as well (just Sunday he wound up with the game-winning home run to clinch the series against the Phillies).

More than that, though, when you look at Rutschman's stats, it can be difficult to argue against him. Yes, Salvador Perez has a higher batting average and OPS, but Rutschman has the higher WAR, more home runs and more RBI. He catches some great games too, and as it stands right now, him being the AL leader for All-Star catchers is the right choice by the fans.

Ryan Mountcastle (First Base): second place

At first glance, the fact that Mountcastle's voting battle with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the closest race among AL positions is kind of crazy to think about. But then when you really start to look a little deeper, this race should be as tight as it is. The statistical battles are very close, as Mountcastle is the better fielder by a slight margin so far, but it is a toss-up as far as offensive stats go.

In the grand scheme of things, Guerrero deserves the edge over Mountcastle. If nothing else, for the sheer fact that the Orioles have the better offense and better defense than the Blue Jays, which can skew certain stats, especially for first basemen.

Jorge Mateo (Second Base): fourth place

Among AL second basemen this year, Mateo has the 10th-most plate appearances, but is top-five in runs scored, doubles, triples, extra base hits and slugging percentage. He is also outperforming the benchmark in home runs, RBI, hits, total bases and OPS. Oh yeah, he is also first among his position in steals and is tied for the lead in sacrifices.

In essence, with his over-performance, you could possibly argue Mateo deserves to be higher. But he has done it in fewer appearances than a lot of other second basemen, so fourth seems like the formidable place for him for now.

Jordan Westburg (Third Base): second place

Westburg is battling it out in the fan vote with All-Star regulars like José Ramírez and Rafael Devers. He has been a tremendous defender at the hot corner and has put up some solid numbers at the plate, and he is even tops in WAR among AL third basemen. The issue is there is no way you can argue against what Ramírez is doing thus far, so second place seems just right for Westburg for now.

Gunnar Henderson (Shortstop): first place

Keyboard warriors have been arguing a lot recently about Henderson vs. Bobby Witt, but the fans spoke (and big time might I add) after the first All-Star Ballot release. Henderson is leading the vote by almost 200K, and part of that might have to do with him leading all of MLB in WAR and leadoff home runs. He's also third in the 2024 AL MVP odds so far, and remains on pace for 50 home runs.

Argue all you want about some of his fielding issues and Witt Jr.'s base running abilities, but the latter does not matter much when you are cranking out home runs at the clip Henderson is. Him being first among AL shortstops should not even be a question.

Anthony Santander (Outfield): fifth place; Colton Cowser (Outfield): seventh place; Cedric Mullins (Outfield): eleventh place

Only Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Kyle Tucker have more home runs among AL outfielders than Santander this year (who is among June 2024 MLB home run leaders right now). Santander is also known to have a clutch gene and is a true slugger when he is feeling it. He has been coming to form as of late, and being fifth in the voting right now seems right.

Cowser is among the top-half of qualified AL left fielders in many statistical categories this year, and he has an underrated glove. He is also one of the favorites to win AL Rookie of the Year. Being seventh could be considered a bit of a reach, but he is a fan-favorite in Baltimore, and if Mike Trout is getting a bunch of votes wasted on him, why does Cowser not deserve a potential All-Star opportunity?

Mullins can be an enigma, but when he is on, he is on. His glove is unreal, as is his speed in the outfield, and his bat can find a hot streak when needed. Mullins' average might still be below the Mendoza Line this season, but the 2021 MLB All-Star is seen by fans for his flashy glove and his home run-robbing prowess. That said, he's not a proper selection for this year's event.

Ryan O'Hearn (Designated Hitter): fourth place

O'Hearn is one of the true veterans in the Orioles lineup, and he is batting a respectable .282 with nine home runs, which has helped him achieve top-five status in a lot of statistical categories among AL DHs. You could honestly make a case for him to represent the American League this year with no Shohei Ohtani. O'Hearn quietly puts up solid numbers in a stacked lineup from the cleanup position, which is probably why he has not gotten as many votes as he maybe could have.