The Chicago Cubs are no longer a laughingstock in MLB. In fact, they are contenders in the National League this season. That wouldn’t be the case if it weren’t for these five players all deserving of All-Star selections in 2015.
5. RHP Jake Arrieta
Getty Images6-4, 3.16 ERA
Arrieta hasn't been quite as lights out as he was a year ago, but last season's performance would have been tough to duplicate. When he's been on he's almost unhittable, but he has struggled in a couple starts this season. His entire body of work, though, warrants an All-Star selection this season.
6-4, 3.16 ERA
Arrieta hasn't been quite as lights out as he was a year ago, but last season's performance would have been tough to duplicate. When he's been on he's almost unhittable, but he has struggled in a couple starts this season. His entire body of work, though, warrants an All-Star selection this season.
4. 3B Kris Bryant
Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
.294 average, 7 home runs, 35 RBIs
As a rookie, Bryant has done nothing to lower expectations. He hasn't quite found his power stroke yet, but he has shown the ability to hit some mammoth shots. The most impressive thing about his game at this point is his ability to see pitches and lay off ones out of the zone. His plate approach is wise beyond his years, and he deserves an All-Star selection based on how mature he looks as a 23-year-old up there at the plate.
.294 average, 7 home runs, 35 RBIs
As a rookie, Bryant has done nothing to lower expectations. He hasn't quite found his power stroke yet, but he has shown the ability to hit some mammoth shots. The most impressive thing about his game at this point is his ability to see pitches and lay off ones out of the zone. His plate approach is wise beyond his years, and he deserves an All-Star selection based on how mature he looks as a 23-year-old up there at the plate.
3. RHP Pedro Strop
Getty Images1-3, 3.10 ERA
As a whole, Strop hasn't been the best relief pitcher in baseball, but he's been one of the best in high pressure situations this season. If there's someone the Cubs absolutely need to get out, you can count on Strop coming into the game. Based on his ability to pitch out of jams in any number of situations, Strop should be playing in the Midsummer Classic.
1-3, 3.10 ERA
As a whole, Strop hasn't been the best relief pitcher in baseball, but he's been one of the best in high pressure situations this season. If there's someone the Cubs absolutely need to get out, you can count on Strop coming into the game. Based on his ability to pitch out of jams in any number of situations, Strop should be playing in the Midsummer Classic.
2. RHP Jason Hammel
Getty Images5-2, 2.81 ERA
Hammel has actually been the Cubs' best pitcher this season from the No. 3 spot in the rotation. He has an incredible WHIP mark of 0.96, showing just how little he lets the opposition reach base. With his dominance this season, he surely deserves to be selected to the National League All-Star team.
5-2, 2.81 ERA
Hammel has actually been the Cubs' best pitcher this season from the No. 3 spot in the rotation. He has an incredible WHIP mark of 0.96, showing just how little he lets the opposition reach base. With his dominance this season, he surely deserves to be selected to the National League All-Star team.
1. 1B Anthony Rizzo
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports.307 average, 11 home runs, 37 RBIs
Rizzo has been one of the best hitters in the National League this season, but he plays a position with a lot of sluggers. That means it's harder to get voted into the All-Star Game by fans. No matter what happens with the fan vote, though, Rizzo needs to be playing in the game in mid-July.
.307 average, 11 home runs, 37 RBIs
Rizzo has been one of the best hitters in the National League this season, but he plays a position with a lot of sluggers. That means it's harder to get voted into the All-Star Game by fans. No matter what happens with the fan vote, though, Rizzo needs to be playing in the game in mid-July.
