Here’s how we’d rank all the top 25 brightest stars — the brightest of the very bright at this year’s Midsummer Classic.
Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani stands alone as inarguably the best player in today’s game, maybe the best ever. He’s also the All-Star who amazes all the other All-Stars, and easily the biggest star.
Players union chief Tony Clark mentioned before Tuesday’s All-Star Game how Ohtani “transcends” the game, and that says it.
Here’s how we’d rank all the top 25 brightest stars — the brightest of the very bright at this year’s Midsummer Classic. (Note: Jose Altuve, Manny Machado, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts, Paul Goldschmidt, Jacob deGrom, Alex Bregman and Francisco Lindor weren’t considered since they didn’t make the All-Star teams this year.)1. Shohei Ohtani, Angels
From the moment he whiffed Angels teammate Mike Trout to clinch the World Baseball Classic for Team Japan, he has owned the year. His free agency is bound to be the biggest ever. Do we hear $600 million?2. Aaron Judge, Yankees
While he couldn’t make it due to that extreme toe injury that’s kept him out since crashing into the Dodger Stadium wall June 3, he’s obviously a monster star. He has a case for second in AL MVP after missing five weeks; the Yankees are showing how valuable he is each and every game.3. Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves
He has a chance to become the first 40-80 man. Also has sold the most jerseys in 2023. Great style, too.4. Juan Soto, Padres
He’s back to doing his thing after a tough transition to San Diego. All you need to consider is that the Padres gave up five great prospects for him in an age when no one’s giving up prospects.
