#ASGWorthy: Not just a young man’s game

In recent seasons, an exciting collection of young talent has surged into the Major Leagues, giving baseball early-20s stars such as Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Mike Trout and many others.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some older guys who are worthy of selection for the 2016 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard on July 12 in San Diego.

• Cast your Esurance All-Star ballot for #ASGWorthy players

Though it’s still early, here is a look at the top players on the 2016 Esurance All-Star Game ballot who are in their age-35 season or older:

David Ortiz, Red Sox DH

Big Papi could be on his way to both one of baseball’s greatest age-40 seasons and one of its greatest farewell seasons. The nine-time All-Star leads the Majors in slugging percentage (.695) and OPS (1.101) while mashing 16 doubles and 10 homers and driving in 33 runs. That makes it hard to believe Ortiz really could walk away at the end of 2016, but if he does, he could be in elite company. Ortiz already has 1.7 wins above replacement (WAR), according to baseball-reference.com; only Barry Bonds (’07) and Ted Williams (1960) have compiled 3.0 WAR or more in a final season as a position player in his 40s.

Victor Martinez, Tigers DH

It’s been quite a rebound season for V-Mart, who managed only a .667 OPS over 120 games during an injury-marred 2015. This year, the 37-year-old has returned to his All-Star form from ’14, leading the American League with a .352 average and sitting in the …

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