After hitting a very disappointing .245/.284/.347 in 2013, Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro has come back with a vengeance this season. Last year was the first time in his four year career, that Castro was not selected to participate in the All-Star Game (except for his debut in 2010, when he was not called up to the big leagues until May).
With a bounce-back first half to the 2014 season, the 24-year-old Castro has once again been selected to represent the Cubs and the National League at the All-Star Game. This is certainly a deserved selection for Castro who is hitting .290/.337/.470 so far this season with 11 homeruns and 51 RBI. His 26 doubles are tied for the fourth most in the National League.
Castro looks much more comfortable at the plate, as he has been much more selective in which pitches he swings. His 21 walks are not overly impressive when compared to other All-Stars, but compared to the 30 bases on balls he took all of last season, it is a huge improvement.
With his improved plate discipline and pitch selection, Castro’s power is also rapidly on the rise. He seems to rip doubles in the gap with regularity, and his 11 homeruns already puts him close to his career high of 14.
Castro is the Cubs’ lone representative on the NL squad who will playing. RHP Jeff Samardzija was also selected, but he was traded to the Oakland Athletics over the weekend, and will not be able to perform at the All-Star Game.
Cubs’ First baseman Anthony Rizzo was selected to the Final Five vote. Rizzo along with Colorado Rockies 1B Justin Morneau, Washington Nationals 2B Anthony Rendon, Miami Marlins 3B Casey McGehee and Atlanta Braves OF Justin Upton are all eligible to be selected for the last spot on the NL roster. The Final Five roster spot will be awarded based on fan vote.
As of right now, the Cubs’ only selection is their talented shortstop. At only 24-years-old, Castro is now a three time All-Star. He has already had an exciting and productive career, and clearly has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.