3B Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants
Stats: 36 PA, .333/.333/.694, 9 XBH (2 HR), 5 RBI, 7 R
Pablo Sandoval is the best hitter on the San Francisco Giants right now.
That says as much about the current state of the Giants offense as it does Sandoval’s performance, but it’s true nonetheless.
There’s no chance he maintains a .385 BABIP all season, and there’s nothing in his recent track record that would suggest this resurgence is anything more than an extended hot streak.
Still, maybe luck will stay on his side for the next few months and he’ll make a strong enough case to warrant an All-Star nod for the first time since 2012.
Crazier things have happened…although no example immediately comes to mind.
Odds: 1 percent
RP Mark Melancon, San Francisco Giants
Stats: 10 G, 2 HLD, 0.00 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 8 K, 10.2 IP
After struggling to a 3.78 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with nine blown saves in 23 chances during his first two seasons, Mark Melancon entered the season as an over-priced middle reliever with no chance of even sniffing an All-Star selection.
One month into the 2019 campaign, he’s tossed 10.2 scoreless innings with a 0.94 WHIP, and suddenly the idea of him being an All-Star doesn’t seem quite as outlandish.
His 2.46 FIP suggests his turnaround is legit. That said, it generally takes eye-popping strikeout numbers and a sub-2.00 ERA for a non-closer to make the All-Star team.
Odds: 2 percent
SP Dereck Rodriguez, San Francisco Giants
Stats: 5 GS, 3-2, 3.54 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 22 K, 28.0 IP
Dereck Rodriguez was the best pitcher on the Giants last season.
The surprise rookie standout went 6-4 with a 2.81 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 89 strikeouts in 118.1 innings for 2.5 WAR.
While some regression was expected given his lack of overpowering stuff and a 3.74 FIP that suggested he was the beneficiary of some good luck, he’s been rock solid so far in 2019.
If the next two guys on this list are traded before the All-Star Game, which could absolutely happen, Rodriguez could be the team’s All-Star by default.
Odds: 7 percent