In putting together my All-Star teams, I reached an inescapable conclusion.The National League playoffs should be really good.I could have formed almost my entire NL roster with players from four of the league’s top clubs — the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.But that’s not how this process works, is it?I follow the rule that every team must be represented on July 14 at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park, and that each All-Star team must feature 20 position players and 12 pitchers, at least three of whom are relievers.How did The Miz get this good, this fast?Derek VanRiper and Eno SarrisThat’s 64 All-Stars before certain selections bail on the event for one reason or another, enabling many of the players snubbed to wind up participating.Some of the game’s biggest names, including Aaron Judge, José Ramírez and Ronald Acuña Jr., will miss this year’s game with injuries. Yet even without them, narrowing down the field is more difficult than you might think.In picking my teams, I largely ignored the fan vote, which — among other things — resulted in the Toronto Blue Jays finishing in the top two at all four infield positions, catcher and designated hitter, and landing two of the top six spots in the outfield as well.The Jays are defending American League champions, but they’re only 41-46 this season. I like to honor the biggest names and rising stars. First-half performance isn’t everything for me. But at some point, it’s difficult to ignore what is happening on the field.Every year, this is one of my favorite columns to write, in part because it allows me to recognize so many of the amazing players we watch every day. I’m quite certain that my choices again will elicit the type of anger that is best directed toward more meaningful concerns. But for those who absolutely must release their venom, hit me in the comments section below or at my X handle, @Ken_Rosenthal.Without further ado, my 64 All-Stars (starters noted with an asterisk):American LeagueCatcherPlayerTeamDillon Dingler*TigersShea LangeliersAthleticsNotable omission: Adley Rutschman, OriolesDingler entered Wednesday with a 101-point advantage over Langeliers in OPS (.913-.812), and his defensive metrics were better, too.Hard to believe that Cal Raleigh, coming off a 60-homer season, does not even belong in this discussion after a disappointing, injury-marred first half.First basePlayerTeamNick Kurtz*AthleticsWillson ContrerasRed SoxBen RiceYankeesNotable omissions: Jonathan Aranda, Rays; Paul Goldschmidt, Yankees; Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays; Munetaka Murakami, White Sox.Kurtz, Rice and Contreras entered Wednesday ranked sixth, eighth and 10th in the majors in OPS. If Murakami were healthy, this would be an even tougher call.Guerrero, who is likely to win the fan vote? He ranked 10th out of the 12 qualifying AL first basemen.Second basePlayerTeamErnie Clement*Blue JaysTravis BazzanaGuardiansNotable omissions: Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees; Ezequiel Duran, Rangers; Oswald Peraza, AngelsClement, who has already been named the starter as the top vote-getter in the AL, is the league’s second-worst defensive second baseman according to Statcast’s Outs Above Average. But he’s also the top AL hitter at the position and is coming off a fantastic postseason, so no quibbles there.Bazzana did not debut until April 28, but he was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft and would be the first Australian native to start an All-Star Game.ShortstopPlayerTeamBobby Witt Jr.*RoyalsKevin McGonigleTigersColson MontgomeryWhite SoxNotable omissions: Zach Neto, Angels; Brayan Rocchio, GuardiansWitt, the league’s top hitter and defender at the position, is an easy choice.Montgomery entered Wednesday with 42 home runs in 622 career plate appearances, essentially a full season’s worth.McGonigle, who entered Wednesday ranked ninth in the majors in on-base percentage, is a leading candidate for AL Rookie of the Year.Third basePlayerTeamJunior Caminero*RaysMiguel VargasWhite SoxNotable omissions: Josh Jung, Rangers; Kazuma Okamoto, Blue Jays; José Ramírez, Guardians (injured)