Recap of a Youthful Midsummer Classic
MLB has seen a whole array of young stars begin to take over the game in the last couple of years, and this seismic shift of a youth movement was on display at this year’s 2024 MLB All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas.
An incredible 37 MLB players received their first-ever All-Star selection this year. The National League’s starting pitcher, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, took the mound only a year and seven days after being drafted. It’s only the seventh season of all-time in which at least three rookie pitchers made the All-Star game. It’s the second straight year with at least four rookie All-Stars. For Major League Baseball, the future is now.
The newbies did not disappoint: from a shutout start on the mound to the fastest pitch in ASG history to a deserved MVP trophy; the night was theirs. Let’s take a look at some of the first-timers who left their mark on the Midsummer Classic.
Jarren Duran, OF, Boston Red Sox
The season so far
• 30 doubles (T-2nd in MLB)
• 22 Stolen Bases (T-7th MLB(
• leading Boston Red Sox in surprising push for postseason play
all-star turn
• Hit game-winning two-run HR in first-ever All-Star At-Bat
• Named All-Star Game MVP
what they’re saying
• “We just felt like he can handle it. He’s accepted the challenge; we’re going to keep playing him. He’s one of our best players.” – Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora
Paul Skenes, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
The season so far
• 11.69 K/9 (Yet to qualify)
• 5th-most K’s through 11 starts since 1901
•first rookie to have multiple 6+ ip, no-hit starts
all-star turn
• first rookie starting pitcher in asg since hideo nomo in 1995
• threw one shutout inning
what they’re saying
• “Hitting against this guy with two strikes is death, you know?” – Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy
Mason Miller, RP, Oakland Athletics
The story so far
• 70 strikeouts (Leads mlb Relievers)
• 15.5 K/9
• staking claim as most electric closer in baseball
• recently placed on IL with finger injury
all-star turn
• earned win with scoreless inning
• struck out shohei ohtani
•threw fastest pitch in asg history (103.6 mph)
what they’re saying
• “I think Mason Miller at the back-end of our bullpen is going to be absolutely crazy. I mean, he’s just got electric stuff.” – Oakland pitcher Lucas Erceg before the season
Shota Imanaga, SP, Chicago Cubs
the story so far
• 8-2 W-L
• 2.86 ERA
• MLb record for lowest era over first nine career starts
all-star turn
• Pitched three-up, three-down inning
• struck out adley rutschman
what they’re saying
• This guy is going to give hitting coaches nightmares. There is a lot of deception in the delivery.” – Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton
