White Sox Players Eye All-Star Selections Amid Strong Performances

Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas is not overly focused on becoming an All-Star, though it’s a goal he shares with many players. “That’s something I obviously want to reach, it’s something everybody wants to do,” Vargas mentioned at Rate Field. “But I think as a team we’ve been playing really good and we’ve got bigger goals than that. I’m not a selfish guy, so I want to focus and end this half really strong and see how it takes for the second half too.”

Vargas has played a crucial role in the team’s recent success, leading to his consideration for the All-Star Game. Rosters for the event will be announced Saturday night, with the game set for July 14 in Philadelphia. The Sox last sent more than one player to the All-Star Game in 2022, with Tim Anderson and Liam Hendriks chosen for the team. This year, several Sox players are in the running, including Vargas, who aims to be the first Sox third baseman named to the team since Joe Crede in 2008.

“He’s been so consistent,” said manager Will Venable. “Last year we saw it in flashes, we saw him in some stretches that lasted a little longer. But just wasn’t able to really maintain it. That’s what’s been impressive, the work he put in the offseason to give him that strength to be just consistent through these stretches.”

Vargas ranks first among major-league third basemen in runs (57), is tied for second in home runs (19), and places third in RBIs (52) and other key metrics. “Just trying to be consistent with my workout, my preparation,” Vargas articulated. “I have been learning a lot from previous years and just trying to be consistent every day and give myself and my body the best opportunity every night and every day to be the best version of me every day.”

White Sox pitcher Davis Martin could also be considered. Although he encountered challenges against the Cleveland Guardians, he boasts a 9-3 record and a 3.08 ERA in 17 starts. “He’s very deserving,” Venable noted. “He’s been our guy, and on a good team he’s clearly our best starting pitcher.”

Martin ties for first in the AL in wins and ranks seventh in ERA. “Just a couple blemishes there on the year, but just really good,” Venable remarked about Martin.

Shortstop Colson Montgomery and first baseman Munetaka Murakami also present compelling cases. Montgomery leads in home runs among major-league shortstops and holds notable rankings in RBIs and slugging percentage. Murakami was a strong candidate before suffering an injury at the end of May, which has impacted his potential All-Star selection.

Venable expressed a desire to have as many Sox players as possible on the All-Star roster. “I’m really excited to see how it shakes out. I’m sure there will be some disappointment also, and someone we believe should be on there that’s not going to be on there. But we’ll be proud of whoever does make the team.”