Six Blue Jays named MLB All-Star game finalists

The Toronto Blue Jays could have six players representing the team and country at the 2022 MLB All-Star Game.

Catcher Alejandro Kirk, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., second baseman Santiago Espinal, shortstop Bo Bichette, and outfielders George Springer and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. were announced as finalists on Thursday.

Kirk, in particular, enamoured fans with his consistent play this season with over two million votes to his name. Kirk enters Thursday’s game hitting .320/.413/.519 with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs. He also leads all major-league catchers with 3.2 bWAR.

The Captain leads the way ????@alejandro_kirk is an All-Star Finalist! pic.twitter.com/bdzir18NeG

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 30, 2022

Espinal has also emerged as one of the American League’s best second basemen this season in a full-time role with the Blue Jays. He’s hitting .268/.321/.392 with five home runs and 35 RBIs this year. He’s accrued 1.6 bWAR across 75 games.

According to Major League Baseball, the second phase of All-Star voting will begin July 5 at noon (Eastern Time) and continue until 2 p.m. ET on July 8.

During this period, fans can vote only once a day for whom they want to see in the All-Star game, and vote totals from the first phase don’t carry over.

The Blue Jays could very well have a seventh player in the mix, as Alek Manoah has been one of baseball’s best pitchers this season. Pitchers and reserves for both AL and NL All-Star teams will be determined via “Player Ballot” choices and selections made by the Commissioner’s office.

The All-Star Game will be played at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on July 19.

Finalists at every position (American League and National League)