Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scores fourth All-Star Game selection; earns 1B AL starter spot

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been announced as the starting first baseman for the American League in this month's MLB All-star Game in Arlington.

Guerrero, who will represent the AL at the Midsummer Classic for the fourth consecutive season, earned the nod over the league's other finalist, Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles.

Guerrero, a former MVP finalist, has bounced back significantly in recent weeks to propel himself to the top of the leaderboard at his position, with significantly improved contact numbers and a power surge the league hasn't seen from him in awhile.

Since June 19, the 25-year-old has been on a tear, seeing his OPS jump almost 100 points from .759 to .848, thanks to stretch that includes 12 extra-base hits, with half of them being home runs. His on-base percentage is up to .376 and is nearly hitting .300 over halfway into the regular season.

Guerrero spent a majority of the season's first few weeks fighting major struggles in his plate approach, and at times looked lost at the dish. But all credit to a him, as he's found himself over the couple of months and has put on a terrific performance after fighting off the April blues.

Prior to the game on July 3, Guerrero was slashing .298/.376/.472, and leads the AL in major categories including WAR, batting average, OPS, and walks for the entire season. He OPS+ was at 142 as well, which would stand as the second best mark of his young career.

His recent showing of dominance on all fronts as a hitter has turned him into the league's best first baseman once again, and is separating himself from the rest of the pack as the generational hitter he once showed he could be a few years back.

The 2024 MLB All-star Game takes place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, July 16, where you can catch Guerrero take the field along with the rest of the MLB's best.