Hunter Dozier named a finalist for All-Star election

Hunter Dozier has been named a finalist for All-Star voting in the new format to determine starters to the Midsummer Classic. Dozier was among the top three vote-getters in the “primary” round of voting, along with Houston’s Alex Bregman and New York’s Gio Urshela. Beginning at 11 a.m. CT on Wednesday, June 26 until 3 p.m. CT on Thursday, June 27, fans can vote online among those three candidates to determine who will start for the American League at third base. Fans can vote once on MLB.com and submit up to 17 unique player votes on Google. Votes from the primary will not carry over. Winners will be announced that evening on ESPN at 6 p.m. CT.

Dozier may not be a household name, but he has enjoyed a breakout season, hitting .314/.398/.589 with 11 home runs in 52 games. He leads all American League third basemen with at least 200 plate appearances in wRC+ at 157. Dozier did miss three weeks with a chest injury, which could ultimately hurt him in voting. Bregman is hitting .265/.397/.542 with 21 home runs and leads all AL third basemen in WAR, according to Fangraphs. Urshela, who was acquired for cash considerations from the Blue Jays last year, is hitting .306/.361/.457 with five home runs in 60 games, filling in for injured players Troy Tulowitzki and Miguel Andujar.

Whit Merrifield was not a finalist at second base, despite leading all AL second basemen in WAR over the 2018-2019 seasons and leading the Majors in hits and steals last year. Instead, fans will decide among Jose Altuve of the Astros, Tommy LaStella of the Angels, and D.J. LeMahieu of the Yankees. Merrifield could still be named as a reserve, which is determined by both a player vote and by the Commissioner’s office.

So Royals fans, do what you do, and VOTE FOR HUNTER DOZIER!