Tom Verducci’s Four Things to Watch at the MLB All

Key Points:

• Dylan Cease will start for the American League in the All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star appearance after being a notable snub in 2022; Toronto invested $175 million over seven years in him, aiming to improve his performance by increasing his strike zone control and pitch variety.
• Many All-Stars have complex career paths, with 59% having left their original teams; notable stories include Yordan Alvarez being traded before playing a game, Ernie Clement overcoming multiple releases to become an All-Star, and Foster Griffin returning from Japan to excel as a 30-year-old rookie.
• Mike Trout will lead off the game, his first All-Star appearance since 2019 due to injuries; a native of nearby New Jersey, Trout is expected to receive a warm ovation from Philadelphia fans and is playing alongside Bryce Harper for the first time since 2018.
• Kyle Schwarber, last year’s Home Run Derby runner-up and All-Star Game swing-off winner, is anticipated to participate again in the game held in Philadelphia, aiming to replicate his previous success in a possible swing-off finish.