Since MLB has not adopted my All Star Game changes, here is my National League ballot:

C – Buster Posey

It’s the narrowest of margins between between Posey and Jonathan Lucroy. Posey gets the vote as he has a 0.1 WAR advantage over Lucroy, and he’s the best pitch framer in the game this year.

1B – Paul Goldschmidt

Yet again, Goldschmidt is the best first baseman in the NL if not all of baseball.  Consideration should be given to Anthony Rizzo, but in reality, Goldschmidt is a better player.

2B – Daniel Murphy

Second base is very deep in the NL with Murphy, Ben Zobrist, Neil Walker, etc. Ultimately, the tie breaker is Murphy because he leads second basemen in batting average and slugging. He’s also been a difference maker for a Nationals team in first place.

3B – Nolan Arenado

Easiest choice on the ballot. He’s the best fielding and hitting third basemen in the NL.

SS – Corey Seager

The NL Rookie of the Year favorite leads all shortstops in WAR and is second in homers to fellow rookie Trevor Story. It’s Seager over Story as Seager has been the much better all around and consistent player.

OF – Yoenis Cespedes

Last year when Cespedes joined the Mets, he went on an absolute tear that helped the Mets turn things around. He’s been just as good this year with less help.

OF – Christian Yelich

The Marlins were supposed to have the best and most exciting young outfielder in the National League in Giancarlo Stanton. They do, but it’s Yelich.

OF – Starling Marte

Like the Marlins, the Pirates could reasonably expect one of their outfielders to start the All Star Game. Like the Marlins, it’s a different player.  You would’ve expected the former MVP Andrew McCutchen to be the guy.  However, Marte is their best outfielder. In fact, as per WAR, he’s the best outfielder in the NL.

Here is my American League Ballot:

C – Salvador Perez

He leads American League catchers in most offensive categories, and he is one of the best catchers that would actually qualify as a batting title.

1B – Chris Davis

For the most part, this has been a down year for most of the American League’s first basemen.  Miguel Cabrera has been playing well of late while Joe Mauer has tapered off after a good start.  The most consistent has been Davis, who leads first baseman in homers, RBI, and WAR.  He’s a large reason why the Baltimore Orioles are surprisingly in first place . . . again.

2B – Jose Altuve

He has been the best player in the American League in the first half.  He’s in the MVP discussion.  He’s the easy selection in either league despite Robinson Cano’s resurgence.

3B – Josh Donaldson

The reigning American League MVP has followed-up with a similarly great season for the Blue Jays.  He is yet again the best third baseman in the American League.

SS – Francisco Lindor

He has been a driving force for the first place Cleveland Indians with his glove and his bat.  Due consideration should be given to Manny Machado.  However, Machado has split time between short and third, and he began the year as a shortstop.

OF – Mike Trout

Trout is still the best outfielder in the American League as he has been for the past 5+ seasons.  By the way, he is only 24 years old.

OF – Jackie Bradley, Jr.

Bradley’s defense has always been a given.  Now, with a .294/.384/.558 batting line, it appears his bat has caught up with his glove making him one of the best all around outfielders in baseball.

OF – Ian Desmond

The guy no one wanted as a shortstop in the offseason has become a versatile outfielder playing well in both left and right.  More importantly, his potent bat has returned.  He’s been the best player for what has been the best team in the American League so far.