3 Reds players on-pace to be All-Stars in 2023 through 30 games

The Cincinnati Reds are now 30 games into the 2023 season and have been more exciting than most fans had anticipated. While there've been some hiccups along the way, this team has been fun to watch.

Before the season began, the list of potential All-Stars was pretty low. Outside of Joey Votto and Wil Myers, no one on the roster had ever been invited to the Midsummer Classic. But a few players are making an early-season case to be rewarded for their efforts so far this season.

There's still a little more than a month before fans begin to cast their votes, so a lot can happen between now and then. But as it stands right now, which three Reds players are most likely to be named to the NL All-Star team in 2023?

1. Reds RHP Alexis Diaz is on-pace to be an All-Star in 2023.

Alexis Diaz is the best weapon that David Bell has in the bullpen. After a successful rookie campaign in 2022, Diaz has stepped up his game so far this season and is arguably more dominant than he was a year ago.

Diaz's performance has not been without its flaws. There've been occasions when the 26-year-old has looked a bit erratic, but most of those mistakes have come during non-save situations. That's no to say that Diaz can't perform outside that scenario, but when his team has the lead and he's entering during the ninth inning, it's been lights out.

While the strikeout numbers are nice, it's the walk-rate that has been much more impressive in Year 2 for the right-handed reliever. Diaz was walking far too many batters in 2022 (12.9-percent), but has really turned a corner this season.

Alexis Diaz, according to FanGraphs, owns a 5.9-percent walk-rate and a 50-percent K/BB%. That's virtually unheard of. Add to it a 0.17 FIP, and the Cincinnati Reds have one of the best relief pitchers in the National League. If he gets enough save opportunities, Diaz could be headed to the All-Star Game in 2023.