MLB All-Star Game Rosters Announced: Surprises and Legends
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game rosters are set, showcasing fresh talent and honoring baseball legends. Nineteen players will make their debut at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15, while one iconic player earns a special nod.
Kershaw’s Milestone Selection
Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ esteemed left-hander and three-time Cy Young Award recipient, has been named to his 11th National League roster. This selection comes via a special commissioner’s pick, marking another milestone in his celebrated career.
Kershaw, one of only four lefties ever to achieve 3,000 career strikeouts, boasts a 4-0 record with a 3.43 ERA in nine starts this season, overcoming an initial stint on the injured list. He joins Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera as recent legend selections, solidifying his place among baseball’s greats.
First-Time All-Stars
Several players will experience their first All-Star Game this year. Among them are Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Washington Nationals’ outfielder James Wood and left-hander MacKenzie Gore, Houston Astros’ ace Hunter Brown and shortstop Jeremy Pena, and Chicago Cubs’ veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd.
It’ll just be cool being around some of the best players in the game,
said Wood, expressing his excitement for the event.
Fan-Elected First-Timers
Previously, fans elected several first-time All-Stars as starters. This group includes Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson, Baltimore Orioles DH Ryan O’Hearn, and Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Their inclusion highlights the blend of emerging talent and established stars in this year’s game.
The total of 19 first-time All-Stars represents a decrease from the 32 rookies named to initial rosters last year.
Potential Starting Pitchers
While Kershaw could be a sentimental choice to start the game, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who leads National League pitchers in ERA and WAR, is also a strong contender. Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler, a third-time All-Star with a 9-3 record and a 2.17 ERA, presents another compelling option following his recent complete-game victory. The MLB’s official site notes that starting pitcher selections will be announced closer to the game.
Kershaw previously started an All-Star Game in 2022 at Dodger Stadium, marking a memorable moment in his career.
Notable Absences
Despite their impressive performances, some prominent players were not selected for the All-Star Game. New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto, who signed a massive $765 million contract in the offseason, and Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, an eight-time consecutive All-Star since 2016, were among those left off the roster.
Soto, despite a slow start, earned the National League Player of the Month award in June and ranks high in several offensive categories. His absence remains a talking point among fans and analysts.
Team Representation
The Dodgers lead all teams with five representatives: Kershaw, Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith. The AL-leading Detroit Tigers and Mariners each have four players selected, showcasing their strong performances this season.
Other Key Selections
Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will join AL starters Riley Greene, Gleyber Torres, and Javier Baez. Mariners’ Raleigh will be accompanied by teammates Bryan Woo, Andres Munoz, and Julio Rodriguez.
Texas Rangers righty Jacob deGrom earned his fifth career selection, his first since 2021, after overcoming injuries and posting a 9-2 record with a 2.13 ERA.
Home Field Advantage
The hometown Braves will feature three All-Stars: Ronald Acuna Jr., pitcher Chris Sale, and first baseman Matt Olson. The San Francisco Giants also have three pitchers selected: Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and reliever Randy Rodriguez.
Despite a recent slump, the New York Yankees will send three All-Stars: Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Max Fried. The Mets also earned three selections: Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Diaz.
Red carpet, that’s my thing,
said Chisholm. I do have a ‘fit in mind.
Roster Expansion and Selection Process
All-Star Game rosters expand from 26 to 32 players. The process includes fan-elected starters, player-voted reserves, and selections by league officials to ensure every club is represented.
Acuna, Wood, and Raleigh are the All-Stars who have committed to participating in the Home Run Derby.