Five potential Cardinals contenders for their maiden All-Star appearances in 2025:
Snagging an All-Star Spot: A Dream within Reach for the Cardinals' Newbies
Experience the thrill of a lifetime - that's exactly what it feels like for a baseball player when they score a spot at the All-Star Game. Being picked for this prestigious event signifies being among the top of the game's elite for the first half of the season, and it's a badge of honor that they carry with them throughout their career. Once you've attended an All-Star Game, nothing can strip this achievement away from you.
This year, the All-Star extravaganza is making its way to Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 11th to the 15th. The Home Run Derby, Futures Game, and All-Star Game itself are all highly anticipated events that every player eagerly looks forward to during this mid-season break.
For the St. Louis Cardinals, witnessing some of their young fledglings gracing the All-Star stage will serve as concrete evidence that their novel team-building strategy is successful, especially if this turns out to be their first All-Star Game. The excitement is palpable, particularly if these young talents secure their inaugural All-Star nod.
The Cardinals boast several veterans who have donned the All-Star jersey multiple times. Nolan Arenado (eight appearances), Willson Contreras (three appearances), Sonny Gray (three appearances), Ryan Helsley (two appearances), and Miles Mikolas (two appearances) all have a track record of All-Star brilliance. Although these veterans undoubtedly covet another All-Star appearance, it's the young blood that holds the real promise for the Cardinals.
The Criteria for All-Star Greatness: Skill meets Popularity
To make it to the All-Star Game, a player must display exceptional talent or be well-liked - or ideally, both. The All-Star Game is, at least theoretically, a gathering of the game's best players through July. While three hot months don't make a player's season, they're a strong sign of things to come in the second half.
Popularity also plays a significant role in getting selected for the All-Star team. While it shouldn’t be the primary factor, fans' adoration can influence voters' decisions. Charismatic players who hail from major cities with large populations often have an advantage in the voting process.
Take, for instance, the Toronto Blue Jays, who usually have multiple players making the cut due to being the lone team in the country. While they have plenty of gifted players, their larger-than-life following tends to work in their favor when it comes to amassing votes.
In 2024, no less than 39 players graced their first All-Star Game. Many of these players were reserve, replacement, or relief pitchers; however, gifted position players can still make a splash in the first half of the season and attend the summer's festivities.
For the Cardinals, the possibility of having a couple of first-time All-Stars on their roster in the upcoming year isn't far-fetched. Players like Nolan Arenado, showing glimpses of his former glory, and Willson Contreras, who could explode at any moment, stand a good chance. The pitching duo of Sonny Gray (3.13 ERA, 23 Ks) and Ryan Helsley (3.00 ERA and three saves) could also earn some votes.
Predicted Breakout Stars: Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan
According to current projections, two young Cardinals poised to make their first All-Star appearance in 2025 are Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan.
- Lars Nootbaar: Known for his hot start, Nootbaar is currently batting .421 and has hit a pair of home runs, boasting a 1.297 OPS in his opening games. If he can keep up this form, an All-Star spot could be within his grasp.
- Brendan Donovan: Donovan is also tipped as a potential first-time All-Star for the summer. While his early-season numbers don't quite match up with Nootbaar, many analysts believe he could earn a spot on the All-Star roster thanks to his burgeoning talent in the National League.
Sentiment builds for Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan to make their All-Star debuts with the Cardinals in 2025, as their talent and strong performances in the opening games put them in contention. Nootbaar's impressive .421 batting average and 1.297 OPS, combined with two home runs, have raised expectations for an All-Star spot. Similarly, Donovan, though his early-season numbers might not be as promising as Nootbaar's, is being recognized for his budding National League talents and potential to secure an All-Star nod. If the Cardinals' newcomers maintain this progress, they could join the ranks of the MLB's best players during the summer festivities.
