The MLB All-Star Game managed to captivate all kinds of audiences even though some of the game’s brightest stars, such as Jacob deGrom, Jose Altuve, Yu Darvish, and Mookie Betts, among others, decided not to play.
The ones who participated made it an evening to remember.
Several players stood out thanks to their performance.
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto and Tampa Bay Rays slugger Mike Zunino both belted long home runs.
However, the following two young players were the best performers of the night, considering the limited appearances and innings available for everybody.
2. Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers
It was just an inning of work, but it was extremely impressive.
In an MLB All-Star Game, managers often rotate heavily to involve most or all players, so everybody can at least have an at-bat or an inning of work.
In short, players only have one or two shots at making a positive impression.
It’s safe to say that Milwaukee Brewers starter Freddy Peralta took advantage of his opportunity.
Peralta pitched one inning: three outs.
And the three outs were via the strikeout.
The Brewers’ right-hander is just 25 years old, but he pitched like a veteran and was one of the young All-Stars who showed off on Tuesday.
Peralta fanned Texas Rangers rookie sensation Adolis Garcia and renowned sluggers Matt Olson and JD Martinez, all swinging.
Freddy Peralta 🇩🇴 ponchó a los 3 bateadores que enfrentó en el All Star Game#TiempoExtraRD#AllStarGame2021 pic.twitter.com/CoXIlf0lkj
— Tiempo Extra (@EsTiempoExtra) July 14, 2021
We shouldn’t consider Peralta’s performance in the All-Star Game all that surprising, since he has been dominating hitters all year long.
Part of an impressive rotation that also boasts Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes, Peralta has a 2.39 ERA in 98 innings of work.
In those 98 frames, Peralta has whiffed 135 hitters and has a 0.90 WHIP.
In an evening that had all the talent in the world, he managed to stand out.
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the top performer in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
He won the All-Star Game MVP award, and deservedly so.
He went to the batter’s box three times, and managed to drive in two runs and score one.
The 22-year-old slugger hit a 468-foot home run off Brewers star Burnes and put the game at 2-0 in the third inning.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr connects off of Corbin Burnes… 👀🚀 #MLB #PLAKATA #AllStarGame2021pic.twitter.com/uOyKHxpXZ7
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) July 14, 2021
In the fifth, he had another RBI on a groundout.
His night was done after he went 1-for-3 with the run and the two RBI.
The home run was a majestic blast, and the crowd surely enjoyed it.
Throughout the whole season, Guerrero has been just that: a crowd entertainer, with his style, swagger, and above all, his obvious talent to play baseball.
He is currently leading the American League in batting average with .332, and RBI with 73, and is second in home runs (28) and hits (105).
Only time will tell if he can overtake Shohei Ohtani in the home run department and keep his leads in the other categories so he can win the Triple Crown.
MLB fans surely enjoyed watching Guerrero go to bat three times on Tuesday and make the best of those appearances.
NEXT: Grading Shohei Ohtani’s MLB All-Star Game Performance