Mets: Jacob deGrom wants to and deserves to start the All-Star Game

New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom wants to start the All-Star Game and certainly has the numbers to do it. Will he get his shot in 2018?

As we entered towards the middle of July for the 2018 Major League baseball season, the ballots were opened to determine the newest All-Star teams in each league for the showdown in our nation’s capital. Both New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom and Washington Nationals’ ace Max Scherzer were rightfully chosen to join the National League.

The big debate here is which of these two men deserves the start.

This year, deGrom has a staggering ERA of 1.68 which leagues the majors. He has struck out 142 batters this season. He’s also sporting a WHIP of 0.97 which is second in the National League, behind Scherzer’s .889. deGrom also has an opponent OPS of .550 which is also second in the National League.

deGrom has been on another level this year, putting up statistics that leaves many amazed. He has given up three runs or less in 16 consecutive games. He also has pitched at least seven innings in nine in his eleven starts.

The one fatal flaw for deGrom this year is his win-loss record he is putting up this year. He stands with just five wins and four losses this season, which is not his fault to be fair.

The 2018 Mets have been struggling tremendously to score any type of runs. deGrom has been clearly frustrated with the matter, just wanting to win some games after working so hard for it to just get wasted. The Mets have the record for the worst batting average in the National League this year. They one point behind the League’s worst batting average.

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Scherzer has also had a brilliant year. He has always been consistent and coming off last year’s All-Star game start, and one in 2013, he is no stranger to the big stage of the All-Star game.

Scherzer is placed second or first in most pitching rankings, either behind or in front of deGrom as they are both neck and neck with the leading statistics.

Scherzer’s ERA is a 2.41 which is second to Jacob deGrom, and also has second behind deGrom in slugging percentage with Scherzer owning a 3.41 slugging percentage again, just behind deGrom with a .291. Scherzer does own the best k/9 with 12.2. 

deGrom falls behind with 10.9 and WHIP as I mentioned earlier. Scherzer does have numerous wins deGrom with a record of 12-5 which may be put into play. Mad Max also has 182 strikeouts to deGrom’s 142 strikeouts.

As I look into the statistics of each player it is very reasonable to think deGrom will get the nod. Even with fewer wins, deGrom is having a historical year. But I will believe Scherzer will get the start here for the third time in his career.

The All-Star game will be held in Washington D.C this year and I would be very shocked if Dave Roberts does not give the hometown favorite the start here. We have seen this back in 2015 when Matt Harvey started of favorite Clayton Kershaw who was clearly having a better year. The huge factor obviously was its location in New York at Citi Field.

In the end, I will be rooting for Jacob to get the nod as he has worked so hard and it is time he gets the recognition he rightfully deserves. He has already come out and said he wants to start the game.

Next: Jacob deGrom's first All-Star Game domination

I’m hoping the planets align and we see Big Jake on the mound in inning one on Tuesday.