In all likelihood, most of the candidates for MLB stars in 2024 will be household names. Of the more than 75 stars last year, most of them had been there before.
After all, there are at least a few pitchers who are among the greatest starting pitchers of all time and who are virtual locks for the All-Star team, not to mention position players who seem to get automatically selected year after year.
MLB All-Star Candidates You May Not Know
However, there are always surprises among all the stars. Keep in mind that each team must be represented by at least one player.
This will help put some unexpected names on this year's All-Star teams. Who are some potential stars this season that fans might not expect? Let's take a look at some of our favorite under-the-radar MLB star candidates in 2024.
Christian Yelich
Obviously, it's unusual to think of an ex as someone who's under the radar. However, Christian Yelich hasn't been a star since 2019, one year after winning the MVP award. Since then he has been plagued by a variety of injuries that have hampered his production.
But in 2024, Yelich has set the clock back more than five years. He is batting over .300 with an OPS that is well over .900. Yelich is once again a key figure in Milwaukee's lineup, helping the Brewers climb to first place in the NL Central. Surprisingly, Yelich is not far from being an MVP candidate again, and he will certainly be a big star this year.
Goalkeeper Suarez
In a movie with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, it's sometimes hard to remember anyone else is there. Maybe that's why goalkeeper Suarez has gone under the radar.
But fans should take notice because he's not only outperforming Nola and Wheeler, he's outperforming every other player in baseball as well. Over his 10 starts, he was 9-0 with a 1.36 ERA. That puts him second in the league in ERA, not to mention first in WHIP. Naturally, the Phillies won every game they entered. At this point, Suarez may go from being overlooked on his team to being the National League's starter in the Midsummer Classic.
CJ Abrams
It is not easy for a young player to take his place among the best in the game. But CJ Abrams is doing just that in 2024.
It's still easy to overlook him because he plays for a losing team. However, Abrams is sure to be a standout player in 2024. He is proving to be a five-tool player, offering strength and speed to go along with great defense. If it weren't for Mookie Betts being better than everyone else — and suddenly becoming an everyday shortstop — Abrams would be in the conversation for the best shortstop in the National League right now.
Seth Lugo
It's still crazy to think that a few years ago Seth Lugo couldn't convince the Mets to make him their starter. He is now the leader of one of the best starting rotations in baseball. The Royals have some promising young arms, but Lugo is still the best pitcher on the staff with an ERA under 2.00 and a WHIP under 1.00.
As the season goes on, people will have to start paying more attention to the Royals, in part because of Lugo, who should finally put together an all-star team for the first time at the age of 34.
Josh Naylor
First placed Guardians are another team that has caught the eye this year and Josh Naylor has been a big reason for that. For what it's worth, his OPS in 2024 is almost identical to what it was last year. However, Naylor seeks more power.
He's always had a lot of raw power, but the 26-year-old is finally showing it consistently. Right now, Naylor is on pace for about 40 homers, which would double his career high. He's also on pace to drive in over 100 runs, which is amazing for a player who has consistently remained under the radar over the past five seasons.
