Toronto Blue Jays: Why Justin Smoak should make the All-Star game

Justin Smoak has been a pleasant surprise this year for the Toronto Blue Jays, putting up quite a performance that makes him All-Star worthy.

It’s a bird, its a plane, no it’s… Justin Smoak hitting another home run. Smoak has proven to many that he is an important aspect to the Toronto Blue Jays‘ success this year.

He has hit 14 home runs so far this year, to equal his total from last season. The best part about his home runs is they come at significant times in the game, when they are most needed.

For example, the Jays were down 2-0 against the Yankees on Sunday afternoon. With a man on base, Smoak hits a bomber to tie up the game.

His last name sums up his year so far as he continues to smoke balls out of the ballpark. The level of respect for Smoak has definitely increased dramatically.

All-Star Material

Although it is still early to be thinking about the All-Star break, it is definitely something that is on players’ and fans’ minds. Smoak deserves to be in the All-Star game. It is something voters should recognize.

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With a .283 average, 14 home runs and 39 RBIs, that’s the best on the Blue Jays. He is also currently tied for eighth among home run leaders in the American League. You can just tell he has made some adjustments at the plate and it is definitely paying off.

When Edwin Encarnacion left the Blue Jays, it put a damper on the mood. But now that Smoak is performing better than Encarnacion, it brings fresh perspective.

Numbers do not lie, as Smoak has maintained a great OPS and is number five among AL first basemen. However, it is not only with OPS that he stands out among first basemen in the AL.

He also maintains success with home runs, RBIs, slugging and more. It’s safe to say that even with Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki back, the 2017 Blue Jays are still Smoak’s team.

Being selected to play in the All-Star game has more meaning now then it used to. According to Fox Sports:

"The point of the All-Star Game is to have fun watching the best players in the game team up and enjoy themselves on a warm summer night, just like the Babe and Gehrig and DiMaggio and Teddy Ballgame used to do. And if there’s something to sweeten the pot and it doesn’t completely change the course of a season, then why wouldn’t you do it?"

Next: When will Steve Pearce return?

What’s your take on Smoak’s season up to this point? Do you agree that he deserves to be in the All-Star game? Share your thoughts in the comments section.