The MLB All-Star Game is set to take place on July 16, 2024 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The National League (NL) will be represented by rookie sensation Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates as their starting pitcher. Skenes has had an historic rookie season with a 1.90 ERA and a 6-0 record.
The American League (AL) lineup includes players from teams such as Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Baltimore Orioles. The NL is looking to snap their losing streak in the All-Star Game after losing nine consecutive games.
Paul Skenes expressed his excitement about potentially facing Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees during an interview with ESPN. However, it is unlikely that Judge will face Skenes for more than one inning due to the NL manager's plan to get every pitcher in the game.
Dylan Crews, another top prospect and former LSU teammate of Skenes, welcomed multiple reporters at the All-Star Futures Game due to his status as a top prospect. Crews is currently hitting .253 with a .713 OPS in his first 20 games at Class AAA Rochester.
Skenes and Crews have a history dating back to their collegiate days when they were expected to be the first and second picks in the draft. Wyatt Langford, another top prospect from last year's draft, made his MLB debut for the Texas Rangers and is currently hitting .254 with a .702 OPS.
Despite being a top prospect, Crews feels no pressure regarding his major league debut and focuses on improving each day in the minor leagues.
The NL roster includes several other notable players such as Corbin Burnes, Bryce Harper, Ketel Marte, Shohei Ohtani, Trea Turner and Manny Machado. The AL lineup includes Steven Kwan, Gunnar Henderson, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.