“I’d like to bring the whole team with me,” Swanson said. “I feel like every guy played a big part in why we were successful this year. Obviously, Travis is amazing, Willie kind of had a year for himself, Ronnie is obviously Ronnie, so it’s pretty special. And then Fried, I’ve said before that, like the press elite, he’s top notch.” Acuña didn’t have to worry about his spot in the 2022 Midsummer Classic because, on June 30, the right-hander was announced as the top prospect in the National League and earned an automatic starting spot. Swanson was narrowly beaten out for the starting shortstop position by the Dodgers’ Trea Turner in the final phase of fan voting, 52 percent to 48 percent. But Swanson won’t miss out on the experience, as he was selected as a reserve. Over his last 30 games, the 28-year-old is slashing .341/.370/.589 with 44 hits, eight home runs and 24 RBI. “It’s obviously a huge honor, something you definitely work for your whole life,” Swanson said of being named to his first All-Star Game. “I’m very thankful and grateful, very blessed to be in this position.” William Contreras will join his brother Wilson in the All-Star Game, becoming the 15th set of siblings to reach the Midsummer Classic. The last brothers to make an All-Star game in the same year were Aaron and Bret Boone in 2003, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. With Bryce Harper injured, William takes over Harper’s starting designated hitter spot, with his brother starting at catcher. The last siblings to start an All-Star game together were Sandy and Roberto Alomar in 1992, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. William has played in just 43 games this season, splitting time with d’Arnaud behind the plate, but has been extremely productive when he goes to the plate. “That’s one thing I don’t think we’ve ever really talked about,” Contreras said of playing in the All-Star Game with his brother. “It’s a dream come true, and I think it’s something we’ve always dreamed of, but it’s crazy that it’s happening. I’m very happy, I’m excited and I’m looking forward to the day.” Contreras is slashing .273/.358/.566 and is tied for the fifth most homers by a catcher this season (11), but every catcher above him has played in 20 or more games. Contreras has 11 homers in 143 at-bats, 1 per 13 AB, which would be the 8th-best mark in the Majors, but he doesn’t have enough plate appearances to qualify. The Braves will have both of their catchers in Los Angeles on July 19, as d’Arnaud also earned a backup spot. The last time two catchers with at least 20 games caught for the same team made the All-Star team was in 1957-60 and 1962, with the Yankees’ Yogi Berra and Elston Howard. It happened just one other time before that, in 1942 with Bill Dickey and Buddy Rosar, also of the Yankees. d’Arnaud was a true veteran leader for Atlanta during the team’s successful season, and he was also a factor in the box and behind the plate. Over his last 15 games, he’s slashing .293/.359/.534 while already throwing out nine runners on the season, which is fifth-most in the Majors among skilled catchers. “What makes it special is that it’s in my hometown, where I grew up learning the game of baseball. It will be nice.” said d’Arnaud. “It’s special and I’m very grateful not only for the fans, but also for my peers who think I’m a good player.” Fried will also enjoy his first All-Star selection back home at Dodger Stadium, a place he frequented during his childhood. The Southern California native has compiled a 9-2 record, tied for fifth in wins in the Majors, with a 2.52 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 100 strikeouts. He is among the candidates to be the National League’s starting pitcher. “[Fried’s] he’s been one of the top players in the game for the last three years and for him to get his first All-Star selection, also for him in his hometown, is very special,” d’Arnaud said.
