Here's why NL East fans should watch the ASG

One of the coolest memories for a kid watching the All-Star Game on TV is seeing the player or players from their favorite team introduced on the field before first pitch. The only thing cooler than that is seeing one of their favorite players come up with a big moment in the Midsummer Classic.

• All-Star Game presented by Mastercard: Tuesday July 9, 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX

So let’s take a look at every team in the National League East and give their fans an idea of why they should watch the All-Star Game next Tuesday in Cleveland:

Braves
The reason to watch: Impressive youngsters
The baseball world has had plenty of time to get acquainted with the MVP-caliber talents of Freddie Freeman, who will be the National League’s starting first baseman for a second straight season. But this year’s Midsummer Classic will provide more exposure to both Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Soroka, who are the first pair of teammates under the age of 22 to be elected to the same All-Star team. Acuna will be the youngest Brave to ever start a Midsummer Classic and Soroka would become the youngest pitcher in franchise history to appear in the game.

Marlins
The reason to watch: Sandy Alcantara
The Marlins parted with their share of All-Stars the past few seasons, and in return, they’ve acquired the first All-Star from the group. Alcantara, the centerpiece of the Marcell Ozuna trade with the Cardinals in December 2017, will represent Miami in the Midsummer Classic. In his first full big league season, Alcantara has been the most durable and dependable starter in a young, promising rotation. He has the lone complete game of the season for Miami, and he sports an upper-90s mph fastball. The 23-year-old mixes in a two-seam fastball and an improved slider. The organization feels he is just scratching the surface of what he can become.

Mets
The reason to watch: Pete Alonso
The Mets' first baseman has been one of the most exciting players in baseball this season, and he is making his mark as a rookie. He has hit 28 home runs through Wednesday, showing remarkable power. The best thing is that Alonso will have the opportunity to showcase his power stroke in both the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday and the All-Star Game on Tuesday. Bombs away.

Nationals
The reason to watch: Anthony Rendon ... maybe
Let’s put an asterisk here, as the Nationals' third baseman said he might not play next week because of some nagging injuries. But Rendon earned his first All-Star appearance following several seasons as one of the most consistently productive third basemen in the game. It is well deserved. The only thing better for Nationals fans than seeing Rendon on the field Tuesday is seeing Rendon sign a contract extension, but first things first.

Phillies
The reason to watch: J.T. Realmuto
The Phillies' catcher has been an absolute beast behind home plate this season. Phillies fans had seen him play previously with the Marlins, but they have started to really appreciate how good he is handling the pitching and running games. It would be fun to see somebody in the American League try to run on Realmuto, who has one of the best pop times and arms in baseball.