Justin Smoak will be the starting first baseman for the American League in the 2017 MLB All-Star Game. Had you said that at the beginning of the season, literally no one would've believed you, perhaps including Smoak himself. But that's exactly what Smoak is: a starter in the midsummer classic.
Getting voted in by fans is an honour that only a handful of players in the majors get to enjoy, but even fewer get an invite to participate in the home run derby. Smoak received an invitation for the derby, but elected to decline the invite. Why you ask? Because he's not sure people would REALLY want to see him hit in the derby.
A funny and humble response from the Blue Jays first baseman, but we're pretty sure fans in Canada would have loved to see Smoak participate in the derby. Although, there's always the fear that when a player adjusts their swing for the derby that they'll mess up their mechanics and struggle upon returning to action.
Derby or no derby, Blue Jays fans will be pretty psyched to see Smoak representing their squad in Miami at the All-Star Game.
