The NL East has been one of the most entertaining divisions, with all the team power shifts this year. The Phillies are finally in sole position of first place, the Mets are falling in the standings, the Braves are finally acting like the powerhouse they are, and the Nationals have several fringe All-Stars on the horizon. Although everyone loves watching the tried-and-true veterans duke it out at the All-Star Game, this year’s NL East breakout players are just as exhilarating when they play.

Atlanta Braves: Chris Sale and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Although Atlanta had a slow start to the season, they’ll still contribute to powerhouse names. Sale is a no-brainer All-Star this year, although with a broken rib he likely sits out the game itself. With a 2.52 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 114 strikeouts, the eight-time All-Star has the ninth-lowest ERA and third-most strikeouts in the league. Although he’s only played 23 games after recovering from a torn ACL from May last year, Acuña has quickly made his mark on the Braves. He’s their best hitter with a lofty .390/.495/.720 slash line, including 21 runs and eight home runs. As he quickly gets up to speed with the rest of the league, Acuña’s hard-hitting bat and eccentric personality should be welcomed back for his fifth ASG.

Miami Marlins: Kyle Stowers
The Marlins don’t have many players that stand out, but Stowers has done enough to be Miami’s rep. He has slashed a healthy .274 /.341/.462 with 29 runs, 34 RBIs and 10 home runs, and he leads the Marlins offensively in the latter two categories. While he might not having any standout highlights, Stowers’ contact-leaning production and ability to hit for power should be enough to earn him a bench spot on the roster.

New York Mets: Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and David Peterson
New York has a lot of talent packed into its three forecasted representatives. Lindor will break his five-year drought away from the All-Star Game, as he has a .271 batting average, 38 RBIs, 14 home runs and 35 walks. As a consistently dependable hitter and defender, Lindor will be an All-Star for a fifth time. Though the starting first base job poses a tough debate between Alonso and Freddie Freeman, Alonso doesn’t need to start the game to be an All-Star. His insane .561 slugging percentage, 22 doubles and 17 home runs demand a fifth All-Star honor, which may include Home Run Derby participation.

With Kodai Senga on the 15-day IL, Peterson will probably be the only pitcher from Queens during All-Star week. Peterson will make his All-Star debut with a 5-2 record, 2.60 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 74 strikeouts. He had a strong campaign last year, but his breakout this year has fueled the Mets rotation to become one of the best in the league.

Philadelphia Phillies: Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Zack Wheeler
Turner and Schwarber will bring contact and power to Atlanta. Turner’s steady .304 batting average and 90 hits lead the Phillies lineup and ranks third among shortstops. His speed has also been valuable, resulting in 19 stolen bags this year. What Turner lacks in power, Schwarber makes up. His towering .524 slugging percentage and 22 home runs rank among the Top 15 in MLB. Schwarber’s ability to draw 52 walks has also contributed to a .372 on-base percentage, which is impressive considering his batting average is only .240. For Turner it would be his fourth All-Star Game, and Schwarber his third.

Of course Wheeler, 2024’s NL Cy Young runner-up, will make the cut, too. He’s 7-2 with a 2.76 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 110 strikeouts. Beyond his stat line, there’s no justification needed. Wheeler deserves the nomination for surprisingly only the third time in his 11 years in the league.

Washington Nations: Mackenzie Gore and James Wood
Unfortunately, not every popular name from Washington can play in the ASG. Although there’s plenty of budding talent in D.C., Wood will be the only position player to represent the Nats. Wood is having an exciting sophomore season, batting .282 and slugging .545. He’s already notched 18 home runs and driven in 52. At only 22 years old, Wood has been the most electric player at the plate for the Nationals, and should garner enough fan interest to earn his first All-Star nod. After three turbulent years of finding his footing, Gore’s breakout season will also be rewarded with his first ASG appearance. Gore holds a 2.89 ERA and 1.15 WHIP while steadily maintaining the strikeout leader spot for several weeks. His towering 12.3 K/9 rate and 119 strikeouts are more than enough to give him at least an inning to pitch.