The Sporting News unveiled its 2016 National League All-Star team on Wednesday; a standout group led by Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant and Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy.
Bryant and Murphy are both first-time Sporting News All-Star honorees -- a theme for the 2016 squad, which was chosen by a panel of 27 NL executives before the postseason. Only Giants catcher Buster Posey, earning his fourth nod, and Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer (second) have previously received the honor, which Sporting News began with a Major League All-Star team in 1925.
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The rest of the NL All-Star team includes Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager, Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich, Mets outfielder Yoenis Céspedes, Pirates outfielder Starling Marte and Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen. Bryant and Murphy figure to receive plenty more hardware for their seasons.
Bryant, who hit .292/.385/.554 with 39 home runs and 102 RBIs, is considered the favorite for the NL Most Valuable Player Award, and he is also is up for Best Major Leaguer in the MLB Esurance Awards. Murphy, who hit .347 with 25 home runs, is one of five choices for Best Hitter, along with Bryant.
Scherzer is a nominee for Best Pitcher; Seager is a candidate for Best Rookie; and Scherzer and Bryant are both up for Best Performance.
Fans can vote through Nov. 11 at MLB.com/awards to help decide the annual Esurance MLB Awards.