Every summer, as predictable as a seventh-inning stretch, the MLB All-Star Game selections spark debate across the baseball world. This year is no different. With the 2025 Midsummer Classic set for Tuesday, July 15 in Atlanta, the rosters have been revealed—and so has the familiar round of arguments over who made it, who didn’t, and why.
Before we dig into this year’s deserving stars and surprising omissions, let’s clarify how the teams are built.
How Are All-Star Teams Selected?
Major League Baseball’s All-Star rosters are built in two parts: fan votes and player/league selections.
Fan Voting (Starters):
The process starts with fans voting for their favorite players by position. In Round One, the top two vote-getters at each position (and the top six outfielders) in both leagues move on to a final round of voting. In this second round, fans decide who starts the game.
This year, to the shock of no one, Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) were the top vote-getters. Both are having MVP-caliber seasons, though team success hasn't necessarily mirrored individual performance. The Yankees, for example, have slumped hard, winning just 7 of their last 23 games.
Still, as Judge put it, “It’s a long season... We’re not playing good baseball. So, a couple things we got to clean up, and we’ll be right back where we need to go.”
Player and League Office Selections (Reserves & Pitchers):
After the starters are locked in, the remaining roster spots—23 more per league—are determined by player ballots and the league office. This includes all pitchers and bench players. Each MLB team must have at least one representative, which adds complexity to the process.
The final tally? Each league brings 32 players to the Midsummer Classic.
Who Got Snubbed?
No All-Star roster is ever controversy-free. With only 64 total spots and 30 MLB teams to represent, tough decisions—and inevitable snubs—happen.
Among the most notable left off this year’s roster:
Juan Soto, New York Mets – The $765 million man is posting huge numbers, but got edged out in a crowded National League outfield.
Trea Turner, Phillies – His bounce-back season wasn’t quite enough to earn a spot.
George Springer, Blue Jays – Consistent veteran production didn’t crack the nod this year.
Framber Valdez, Astros – A workhorse, but overlooked amid AL pitching depth.
Carlos Rodón, Yankees – Strong early season, but recent struggles may have cost him.
It’s worth noting that not all hope is lost for snubs. Injuries, pitcher rest, or player opt-outs can still open doors. Soto, for one, is taking it all in stride:
“I was glad I was able to be there four years in a row. If I didn’t make it this year, it’s no big deal. I’ll come back stronger next year,” he told the New York Post.
First-Timers and Fan Favorites: Who Made It?
The All-Star Game is both a showcase for superstars and a platform for emerging talent. This year, 19 players are making their All-Star debuts—a promising sign for the game’s future.
American League Highlights:
Aaron Judge, Yankees – The top AL vote-getter is a familiar face.
Cal Raleigh, Mariners – Leads the majors with 35 home runs and is drawing comparisons to Ken Griffey Jr.
Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles & Jacob Wilson, A’s – Both making their first appearances.
Tarik Skubal, Tigers – Joined by three Detroit starting position players, making the Tigers one of the most-represented AL squads.
Said Raleigh, “To be mentioned with that name [Griffey], somebody who’s iconic, a legend, first-ballot Hall of Famer, I’m just blessed.”
National League Highlights:
Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers – Leading both at the plate and on the mound.
Freddie Freeman & Will Smith, Dodgers – L.A. is well represented.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs – Gets his first All-Star nod alongside teammate Matthew Boyd, also a first-timer.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves – Back in the spotlight after a devastating ACL injury last year.
The veteran of the group? Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers pitcher and future Hall of Famer. Named to the team as a special commissioner’s selection, he recently became the fourth left-hander in MLB history to notch 3,000 career strikeouts. This will be his 11th All-Star Game appearance.
The Bottom Line: Let the Debates Continue
There’s no perfect formula for choosing All-Stars. Fan favorites, stat leaders, and deserving underdogs often collide in a messy but passionate process. That’s part of the charm—and the controversy.
But when the best players in the world gather under the lights in Atlanta on July 15, the snubs and debates will take a back seat to what matters most: celebrating the game, its stars, and the sport we love at its best.
