4 Blue Jays make the 2023 MLB All-Star Game as reserves

One of the best days of the year is upon us, as we are now finding out the complete list of who has made the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. While many Toronto Blue Jays position players led the way in voting early on, none of them wound up earning elusive starting roles in the event.

However, Major League Baseball announced the reserves and pitching staffs that are going to represent each league in the Midsummer Classic. This is where we see more Blue Jays representation. While losing out on starting roles was a bummer, there are still multiple players who earned their way into the ASG.

• RHP Kevin Gausman
• 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• SS Bo Bichette
• INF/OF Whit Merrifield

Gausman made his way into the All-Star Game on the heels of an incredible first-half performance. The 32-year-old is an All-Star for the second time in his 11-year career thanks to a 17-start stretch in which he leads the majors in FIP (2.55) and the American League in strikeouts (139). When comparing him against other starting pitchers on the AL side, there's a legitimate chance that he could even start the game for the American League.

While Gausman is the only pitcher elected from the Blue Jays' roster, a whole slew of position players made their way into the game.

Starting off with otherworldly first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has been having a "down" year at the plate to kick off 2023, but he remains one of the better first basemen in the league. Guerrero has appeared in 82 games so far this year with 18 doubles, 12 home runs, 52 runs batted in and a .274 batting average. His .792 OPS is down from years past but the power numbers have been there for him and he has earned his spot on the roster. This is his third overall and third consecutive selection to the ASG.

Moving on to Bichette, who is someone we still believe should've been a starter in the All-Star Game. On the season, the 25-year-old has easily been the best shortstop in the majors, as he leads the league in base hits and owns a .317 batting average, good for second in the American League behind only Yandy Díaz of the Rays. The young shortstop will be suiting up in the ASG for the second time in his career.

Finally, we have Whit Merrifield, who is also an All-Star for the third time in his career. The speedy utilityman has been a huge asset for the Blue Jays this year, both on offense and defense. In 76 games, he has two home runs with 32 runs scored, 30 driven in and 18 stolen bases. His .282 average is the highest he's had in a full season since 2019 and his defensive versatility has made him a swiss army knife of sorts for the Blue Jays, making him an easy selection into the Midsummer Classic.