2013 MLB All-Star Game

Major League Baseball’s midsummer showcase, also known as the All-Star Game, is less than two months away, and many players have already made strong cases to make their respective league’s team.

But which players will be fortunate enough to try to secure home-field advantage throughout the World Series for either the American or National League?

Let's be honest. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is nothing more than a popularity contest. 

Unlike a lot of popularity contests where being the best isn't always recognized—for instance, the Emmy and Academy Awards—playing favorites for the MLB midsummer classic is not a bad thing. 

Whether it is a young player taking the next step forward or a veteran putting it all together for the first time in his career, making the MLB All-Star team for the first time is a huge honor.

Every season, a number of players unexpectedly turn in big first-half performances and earn their place in the Midsummer Classic.

Here is a look at 15 players who are off to hot starts and could turn that into a first-time All-Star selection come July.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a 2013 Opening Day payroll that is already over $200 million, so it should come as no surprise that their roster is littered with All-Star talent. With 11 players who have previously made at least one appearance in the Midsummer Classic, the Dodgers should lead the National League in All-Stars next season.