Where do Blue Jays players stack up in MLB's All-Star voting update?

It continues to be a tough year on the field for the Toronto Blue Jays, as they struggle to even get to .500 never mind above it. Despite this however, or maybe because of it, Major League Baseball's first All-Star ballot update makes for positive reason for baseball fans north of the border.

As per Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com, the early returns have four Blue Jays in the top five for voting at their respective positions. This may well have proved to be a pleasant surprise for some, when you consider how underwhelming the ball club has been thus far in 2024.

Leading the way

Of the four Blue Jays mentioned, the most notable is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base by virtue of being the only one to lead at his position, with 746,031 votes. The Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle is second with 693,594 votes, while Josh Naylor of the Guardians is third with 404,389 ballots.

As per Harrigan, the race at first base to become an All-Star selection is the tightest of any position on the American League side of the ballot. Despite this however, Guerrero is still in a good place to secure his fourth All-Star appearance at just 25 years of age.

Another player who knows a thing or two about going to the All-Star Game, is Bo Bichette. However, as of right now he is well off the pace at shortstop in his bid to become an All-Star for the third time.

Yes, that Bichette is even in fifth place at his position counts for something, with 231,694 votes. However, for some sobering context, consider that the Orioles' Gunnar Henderson is first with 740,436 votes, followed by Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals, with 541,261 ballots.

As much as Bichette would of course be delighted to go to another All-Star Game, he will be the first to admit he hasn't played to his usual standard so far this season. In fact he's projected to finish the year with a whole host of career lows, including batting average, OBP, slugging percentage, OPS and OPS+.

Blue Jays looking for their first All-Star selection

Turning to the catcher position, Danny Jansen is hoping to receive his first selection to the All-Star Game. He's been among the Blue Jays' more productive bats this year, highlighted by leading all team regulars in OPS.

In respect of Jansen's All-Star ambitions though, he has a tough challenge ahead of him despite currently being fourth in votes at his position. Adley Rutschman of the Orioles (again!) is first with 792,857, the Royals' Salvador Perez is second with 588,952, while Jansen has 212,782.

Finally we go to third base, where Isiah Kiner-Falefa is fifth with 199,424 votes. José Ramírez of the Guardians claims top spot with 742,910 votes, while Jordan Westburg of the (*sigh*) Orioles is second with 366,670 ballots.

Like Jansen, Kiner-Falefa is seeking his first All-Star selection. Fair or not, he was considered an underwhelming offseason by the Blue Jays, but has been decent enough thus far as he sits second on the team with a 2.3 WAR.

As we've previously written, the Blue Jays have an advantage over most MLB ball clubs with effectively a whole country that can vote for their players. In this respect there's still plenty of time to cast more ballots, with the window for Phase One voting open until June 27.

You can click here for a detailed look at the rules for voting, along with the schedule. In respect of actually voting, click here to take you to the 2024 All-Star ballot and make your selections.