Cubs' Baez, Contreras Voted In As All-Star Starters

(670 The Score) Cubs shortstop Javier Baez and catcher Willson Contreras have been voted in by fans as All-Star starters for the National League.

This marks the second All-Star appearance for each player, as both started for the NL last year as well. It's the 19th time in Cubs history that they've had multiple starters in the All-Star Game.

Baez becomes the fourth player in MLB history to start back-to-back All-Star games at a different position. He started at second base in 2018. With his honor, Contreras becomes the first Cubs catcher since Gabby Hartnett 1936-'37 to start back-to-back All-Star games.

Baez, 26, is hitting .286 with 19 homers, 52 RBIs, 53 runs and an .873 OPS in 80 games. He leads all NL shortstops in homers and RBIs and is second in OPS in that regard.

Baez won with 43.3 percent of the vote, topping Trevor Story of the Rockies (29.3 percent) and Dansby Swanson of the Braves (27.4 percent).  After hearing he'd been honored again, Baez expressed thanks and addressed his exuberant style for playing the game.

"I know this was a tight competition, but I am grateful to make the starting lineup," Baez said.

"The way I play the game, not everyone is going to like it. More people seem to like it than not. I am really proud of the way I am supported. I know this is huge for Chicago fans. Thank you for voting me into the All-Star Game."

Contreras, 27, is on track to have a career year, hitting .300 with 17 homers, 48 RBIs, 38 runs and a .981 OPS in 69 games. Even though he was an All-Star in 2018, he had a trying season, particularly struggling in the second half.

This time, Contreras won with 44.6 percent of the vote, beating Brian McCann of the Braves (33.0 percent) and Yasmani Grandal of the Brewers (22.4 percent).

"I feel so great now," Contreras said. "This is my second time there. It means a lot to myself and my family. I dedicated this to my country and for my team. I am proud of what I have done this year. I know I have more work to do.

"I know last year wasn't as good as I wanted. So a part of my work was my mental approach in the offseason and spring training. 2018 was in the past, so I turned the page. This year has been good. I make adjustments on a daily basis My goal -- do my best, have fun and help my team get more wins. I am really happy for me, my family and my teammate Javier Baez."

Baez was thrilled for his teammate.

"I am really excited about Willson," Baez said. "What he does is really electric for this team. When he does all of his electric and crazy things on the field, it really gets us going. Hopefully, after the break, we will both keep it going."

Baez and Contreras were voted in by fans in a new format this year, advancing as one of the top three at their position in the preliminary round of voting before winning the final round of voting that was held Wednesday and Thursday. 

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, third baseman Kris Bryant, outfielder Jason Heyward, outfielder Kyle Schwarber and outfielder Albert Almora Jr. also advanced to the final round of voting to decide starters but didn't win.

Pitcher and position player reserves are chosen as a group effort between the commissioner's office and a players' ballot.

Here's a look at the All-Star starters:

And the NL @MLB All-Star starters! #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/mA2g0DZw4P

The All-Star Game will be played in Cleveland on July 9.