The 2021 MLB All-Star Game is upon us.
After being deprived of a Midsummer Classic in 2020, the event is back this season, and fans should be excited about what is in store for Tuesday night.
After a chaotic first half, we now get to enjoy an MLB All-Star Game that features many rising stars and outstanding storylines.
There are three narratives in particular that fans should be aware of going into Tuesday night, and today, we are ranking them.
3. Who Will Be Named All-Star Game MVP?
With so many elite players taking part in the All-Star Game, it’s anyone’s guess who will be named the MVP of the game.
There are countless young stars hoping to take home the award for the first time, like Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and a certain two-way player out of Anaheim, who we will talk more about later.
Even with several star players sitting out due to injury concerns or other reasons, there are a handful of guys capable of making some noise in the game.
Which player will take home the honors?
2. With Coors Field At Play, Will Batted Balls Be Flying Out Of The Park?
The Mile High City is notorious for its thin air, which often causes increased home run rates at the Colorado Rockies’ home venue, Coors Field.
Of course, Coors is the site for this year’s All-Star Game.
COORS FIELD YOU ARE STUNNING pic.twitter.com/PCxqRhHySj
— Kendall Valenzuela (@kvalenzuela17) July 13, 2021
On Monday night, millions of MLB fans tuned in to watch the Home Run Derby, and batted balls were carrying out of the park like nobody’s business.
New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso was ultimately able to defend his Home Run Derby title in Monday night’s event.
He went deep a whopping 35 times in the first round in one of the most dominant performances in the history of the Derby.
With Coors Field at play, we could see a lot of long balls in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game.
This could make for a very entertaining evening, as the game features some of the best power-hitters in the league today.
1. How Will Shohei Ohtani Fare In His First All-Star Game?
Los Angeles Angels rising superstar Shohei Ohtani put on a show in the Home Run Derby on Monday night, but he was ultimately unable to make it out of the first round.
Ohtani nearly clears the stadium.
IN BATTING PRACTICE 😱 @BRWalkoffpic.twitter.com/q02caItIA9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 12, 2021
With many fans tuning into the Derby and All-Star Game for the sole purpose of seeing Ohtani play, how will he fare in his first-career Midsummer Classic?
He will be getting the start on the mound for the American League while also batting leadoff.
That alone is a ridiculous accomplishment.
But will his regular-season success carry over to the All-Star Game?
We’re going to find out.
In the first half of the season, Ohtani led the league in home runs (33), slugging (.698), triples (4), and total bases (210) while also posting a crazy OPS (1.062), OPS+ (178), and overall WAR (5.6).
As a pitcher, the 27-year-old posted a first-half ERA of 3.49, a FIP of 3.57, and a WHIP of 1.21.
It will be very exciting to see Ohtani perform on the big stage Tuesday night.
NEXT: 3 MLB Players Who Could Be 2021 All-Star Game MVP
