Ryan McMahon is an All-Star

The third baseman is named to the National League reserves as the Rockies’ sole representative

The complete initial rosters for the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game were announced on Sunday afternoon. There were 32 first-time All-Stars named to the National and American League squads, and among them was Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon.

At the moment, McMahon is the lone representative for the Rockies in the Midsummer Classic. The Rockies have had just one All-Star each of their last four seasons, with Germán Márquez (2021), CJ Cron (2022), and Elias Díaz (2023) as their last three selections. However, Rockies manager Bud Black says there is still a possibility for some of McMahon’s teammates to make the National League roster once the dust settles and substitutions are made due to injuries and other dropouts.

“It’s cool, man, kind of full circle. For me, personally, to get voted in by the players, I think that’s like the biggest honor that I can receive as a player,” McMahon told the press after learning of his selection in a meeting with his teammates.

McMahon, 29, is currently enjoying what looks like a career year for him. He is hitting .272/.347/.454 through 88 games with 14 home runs, 19 doubles, and 45 RBI. The multi-time Gold Glove finalist is also once again one of the best third basemen in the league. He is tied for the lead across all MLB third basemen in defensive runs saved with five while leading his position in ultimate zone rating with 3.7 and is tied for the second best outs above average at three. McMahon’s 4.5 defensive WAR per FanGraphs is also the third best among all MLB third baseman.

Manager Bud Black pointed that McMahon deserved the honor.

“He’s been close a couple different times,” Black said. “Close in Gold Glove, close in All-Star, and now I think the time has come that he’s getting recognized again throughout the league, from his peers, coaches, and managers.”

He added, “The guys were happy for him.”

McMahon’s friend and teammate Kyle Freeland was full of pride following the announcement.

“It’s awesome. Well, you know we came through the minor league system together and I was able to see him grow into the baseball player he is today. It’s hard to put into words, seeing someone who you came up with and have grinded through the minor leagues with to now get an All-Star nomination. Very deserving.”

McMahon says he will ask some questions for former Rockies All-Stars Charlie Blackmon and reigning All-Star Game MVP Elias Díaz about their experiences, but for now he wants to try and be himself and focus on having a good time. There is no word yet on if he will borrow any of Blackmon’s star-spangled attire to wear on the Red Carpet.

McMahon will be joined on the National League roster by former teammates Jurickson Profar (San Diego Padres) and Jeff Hoffman (Philadelphia Phillies). Tyler Anderson (Los Angeles Angels) was selected for the American League squad.

The 2024 All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday, July 16th at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.