“I’m definitely super happy and proud of the teammates and the coaching staff, I think it’s going to be great to have everyone there,” Acuña said through team translator Franco Garcia.
“I’d like to bring the whole team with me,” Swanson said. “I feel like every single person has a big part in our success this year. Obviously Travis is phenomenal, Willie had kind of a breakout year for himself, Ronnie is obviously Ronnie so it’s pretty special. And then Fried, I’ve said this before, like this guy’s elite, he’s top notch.
Acuña didn’t have to worry about his spot in the 2022 Midsummer Classic, as the right fielder was named the National League’s leadoff hitter on June 30 and earned an automatic starting spot.
Swanson was narrowly beaten out for the starting spot by the Dodgers’ Trey Turner in the final phase of fan voting, 52% to 48%. But Swanson won’t miss out on the experience as he was selected as a reserve. In his last 30 games, the 28-year-old is slashing .341/.370/.589 with 44 hits, eight home runs and 24 RBI.
“Obviously it’s a huge honor, something you definitely work for your whole life,” Swanson said after being named to his first All-Star Game. “I’m very appreciative and grateful, very blessed to be in this position.”
William Contreras will join his brother Wilson in the All-Star Game, becoming the 15th set of brothers to reach the Midsummer Classic. The last brothers to play in an All-Star Game that year were Aaron and Brett Boone in 2003, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. With Bryce Harper injured, William filled Harper’s designated hitter spot and his brother started at catcher. The last brothers to start an All-Star Game together were Sandy and Roberto Alomar in 1992, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. William played just 43 games this season, splitting time with d’Arnaud behind the plate, but he was extremely productive when he stepped up to the plate.
“That’s one thing I don’t think we’ve ever talked about,” Contreras said of making the All-Star Game with his brother. “It’s a dream come true and I think it’s something we’ve always dreamed of, but it’s crazy that it’s happening. I’m really happy, I’m excited and I can’t wait for the day to come.”
Contreras is slashing .273/.358/.566 and is tied for the fifth-most home runs by a catcher this season (11), but every catcher above him has played in 20 or more games. Contreras has 11 homers in 143 at-bats, 1 in 13 ABs, which would be 8th best in the Majors, but he doesn’t have enough plate appearances to qualify.
The Braves will have both catchers in Los Angeles on July 19, as d’Arnaud also earned a backup spot. The last time two catchers with at least 20 games for the same team made the All-Star team was in 1957-60 and 1962, with the Yankees’ Yogi Berra and Elston Howard. It had only happened once before, in 1942 with Bill Dickey and Buddy Rozar, also of the Yankees.
d’Arnaud was a true veteran leader for Atlanta during the team’s successful season and was also a factor in the box and behind the plate. In his last 15 games, he’s slashing .293/.359/.534 while throwing out nine runners on the season, fifth-most in the Majors among qualified catchers.
“What makes it special is that it’s in my hometown, where I grew up learning the game of baseball. Will be great.” said d’Arnaud. “It’s special and I’m very grateful not only to the fans but also to my peers who think I’m a good player.”
Fried will also enjoy his first All-Star selection at home at Dodger Stadium, a place he frequented during his childhood. The Southern California native has a 9-2 record, fifth in wins in the majors, with a 2.52 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 100 strikeouts. He is among the candidates for National League starting pitcher.
“[Fried’s] has been one of the best pitchers in the game for the last three years, and for him to get his first All-Star selection, and for him in his hometown, is very special,” d’Arnaud said.
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