The American League's starting outfield for next week's All-Star Game certainly isn't lacking in star power, with the Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout, New York Yankees' Aaron Judge and Boston Red Sox's Mookie Betts getting the nods.
Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals make up a not-so-gracious welcome committee for the National League.
Power in the center of power. A capital-sized All-Star Game.
Major League Baseball unveiled the rosters for its midsummer showcase Sunday night, featuring an imposing AL lineup and Harper starting at his home ballpark in Washington.
Reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve was one of five All-Stars from the World Series champion Houston Astros, matching the Red Sox and Cleveland Indians for most in the majors. The Yankees and Atlanta Braves each have four representatives, including rookie Gleyber Torres from the Bronx Bombers and fellow second baseman Ozzie Albies from the surprising Braves.
"It's fun. You're playing, but you're looking around because you're playing with all those big boys out there," said Altuve, who made the AL team for the sixth time.
Torres is on the disabled list with a hip injury and unlikely to participate. But while he and Albies are just 21 years old, the list of 25 first-time All-Stars also includes 30-something surprises like Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland, Texas Rangers slugger Shin-Soo Choo and Braves outfielder Nick Markakis.
"It's something that I didn't know it would ever be quite possible," Moreland said. "I'm definitely excited about the opportunity and appreciative of having that opportunity."
Trout is working on perhaps the best season of his stellar career with the Angels. Judge has 25 homers and 58 RBIs for the Yankees, and Betts is batting .342 with 22 homers for the major-league-leading Red Sox.
But that's just the beginning for the AL. Altuve led the fan balloting with 4.8 million votes. Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado will make the short trip down to Washington for the July 17 game with speculation increasing about his future ahead of the trade deadline.
Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu, Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez, Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez and Tampa Bay Rays catcher Wilson Ramos round out the AL's starting lineup.
"The best part is being with all the guys. You're on the biggest stage with the best," said Trout, who was selected for the seventh straight year -- tying Red Sox ace Chris Sale for longest active streak.
Harper was voted a starter for the fourth consecutive year. The slugger, who is eligible for free agency after this season, is batting just .218 for disappointing Washington but has 21 homers and 50 RBIs.
He was joined by ace right-hander Scherzer and reliever Sean Doolittle from the Nationals. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, could get the start in his home ballpark.
"That'd be an unbelievable experience," Scherzer said in an interview with ESPN's Karl Ravech after the selections were announced.
Nationals shortstop Trea Turner could join Scherzer & Co. if he wins the online vote for the 32nd and final NL roster spot. Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar, San Francisco Giants first baseman Brandon Belt, St. Louis Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter and Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Max Muncy also are in the mix.
"Very excited to represent the Nationals in D.C.," Harper said. "Looking forward to this week to hopefully get one of our other teammates in there as well."
The AL candidates in online balloting are Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi, Minnesota Twins outfielder Eddie Rosario, Seattle Mariners shortstop Jean Segura, Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons and Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
"It's something I've watched for a long time. To be a part of it would be pretty cool," Benintendi said.
Markakis and Matt Kemp will join Harper in the NL outfield. Markakis has been a key performer for the Braves and made an All-Star team for the first time in his 13 major league seasons. Kemp's return to the Dodgers has been a smashing success.
The Chicago Cubs will have two starters after catcher Willson Contreras and second baseman Javier Baez each won a close race at their positions in fan balloting. Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado and Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford round out the NL starting lineup.
"My first reaction was like, 'I have no words to say,'" Contreras said, "but I started crying when I went down to the cage, because I hoped for it and I've been working hard every single game that I've played and played it like it was my last one."
As usual, there were some notable snubs -- with several changes surely coming due to injuries and withdrawals.
Rays left-hander Blake Snell, who is 12-4 with a 2.09 ERA, was the most incomprehensible omission. Astros right-hander Charlie Morton and Oakland Athletics infielder Jed Lowrie were also left out despite worthy credentials. The Philadelphia Phillies, percentage points ahead of the Braves for the NL East lead, had only one All-Star in pitcher Aaron Nola.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.