CLEVELAND -- The MLB All-Star Game is coming to Cleveland.
And when it does, the Indians will likely have multiple representatives on the field.
While first baseman Carlos Santana was the only Indians player the make the 'Election Day' ballot, which will determine the starters in the Midsummer Classic, more players from Cleveland could make the All-Star team on Sunday when the rest of the exhibition's rosters -- along with the entire pitching staffs -- are announced.
Although it's unlikely the Indians will match the five representatives they put in last year's game, they should have more than just their one mandatory player on the American League roster.
With that in mind, let's rank Cleveland's All-Star candidates in the order of likeliness they'll be playing at Progressive Field on July 9.
1. Carlos Santana
Often times, fan voting is a popularity contest. In fact, that's largely its purpose.
But in this case, the fans who voted Santana from primary round to the final All-Star ballot got it right.
After spending a year with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Indians' switch-hitting first baseman has turned in one of the best seasons of his career. Through Cleveland's first 79 games, Santana leads the team in home runs (18), RBIs (48), doubles (15), hits (81), walks (57), on-base percentage (.412), slugging (.545) and total bases (152).
In an Indians lineup that's largely been lacking in both production and consistency, the 33-year-old Santana has provided plenty of both, posting a team-best WAR of 2.9 in the process.
Given the Indians' social media push (#VoteLos) to get Santana elected to the first All-Star Game of his career, it seems likely he'll be in the starting lineup for the American League on his home field in two weeks. If not, he is a shoo-in to be picked as one of the team's reserves, which will be announced on Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
2. Francisco Lindor
As Cleveland has begun to dress itself up for July's All-Star festivities, it's tough to turn a street corner without running into a giant portrait of Francisco Lindor. Already a 3-time All-Star (2016-18), Lindor isn't just one of the Indians' brightest young faces, but one of baseball's as well.
Although the 25-year-old failed to qualify for the 'Election Day' ballot, his name recognition, numbers and Cleveland's status as the exhibition's host city could very well help him get elected to a fourth straight All-Star Game. Appearing 60 games, the switch-hitter has amassed a .291 average, 12 home runs, a .537 slugging percentage and 27 RBIs -- a stat line that has further cemented his status as one of baseball's best shortstops.
3. Roberto Perez
While he may not be the Indians' most obvious candidate, Roberto Perez's strong season has helped make it feasible that Cleveland has a catcher in the All-Star Game for a second straight a year.
After taking over for Yan Gomes -- who made the All-Star Game a year ago -- as the Indians' primary catcher, Perez has turned in a career year. In 56 games, he's hit for a .242 average, .500 slugging percentage, 14 home runs and 31 RBIs, passing or closing in on career-highs before the calendar has even turned to July.
In addition to his improved hitting numbers, Perez has also remained one of the American League's top defensive backstops. Entering Wednesday, the 30-year-old ranked second in the A.L. in putouts (498), third in assists (28) and fifth in runners caught stealing (11) with a stolen base percentage of .667.
4. Brad Hand
Although he blew a save against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, Brad Hand has consistently been one of baseball's best closers this season. Appearing in 29 games, the left-hander has compiled a 4-3 record, 2.36 ERA, 50 strikeouts and 22 saves -- the second-most in the American League.
Whether or not enough space remains for Hand on the A.L. roster will likely come down to a number of factors regarding its construction. But it seems conceivable the 29-year-old could be in line for his third career All-Star selection -- and first in the American League.
5. Trevor Bauer
While injuries have ravaged the Indians' starting pitching staff, Trevor Bauer has emerged as one of the team's few constants. And despite hitting a mid-May skid, the right-hander has since bounced back and currently lays claim to numbers that could put him in All-Star contention.
Entering Wednesday's start against the Royals, Bauer had posted a 5-6 record in 17 games to go along with a 3.69 ERA. His team-best 122 strikeouts, meanwhile, rank fourth in the American League, as does the .209 average he's allowed opposing batters to this point in the season.
On Wednesday, Bauer only bolstered his All-Star case, allowing just 3 hits and 1 run in 6.2 innings vs. the Royals. Like Hand, Bauer's All-Star candidacy will likely come down to a numbers game as the former Cy Young front-runner looks to pitch in the Midsummer Classic for a second straight year.
