We are just 41 days away from the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, set to take place at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15th. Voting officially began at noon, and here’s a look at the leading contenders likely to start in this midsummer classic.
Remember, the starters are chosen by fan votes, making this one of the most popular competitions.
National League
Outfield
- Statistical frontrunners: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC), James Wood (WES), Corbin Carroll (ARI)
- Other contenders: Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL), Kyle Tucker (CHC), Theoscar Hernández (LAD), Andy Pages (LAD), Juan Soto (NYM), Oneil Cruz (PIT), Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD), Jackson Merrill (SFG), Jung Hoon Nootbaar (STL)
- Likely starters: Crow-Armstrong, Carroll, Acuña
This group is notably stronger and deeper than the American League’s outfield options. Crow-Armstrong and Carroll have been solid picks over the years. Wood, with 16 homers in his first full season, is performing well but faces stiff competition. Acuña missed the first seven weeks but has been outstanding since returning. Given the All-Star Game is in Atlanta, his comeback story might edge him past Wood. Soto is beginning to regain form after a rough start, and his recent hot streak could boost his chances.
Designated Hitter
- Statistical frontrunner: Shohei Ohtani (LAD)
- Other candidates: Kyle Schwarber (PHI), Marcell Ozuna (ATL), Seiya Suzuki (CHC)
Last year’s 54-home run slugger and 59-steal leader hasn’t stolen a base since early May, likely due to his pitching return. However, Ohtani continues to hit homers and remains the fan-vote favorite. Schwarber, Ozuna, and Suzuki are strong contenders but likely will serve as reserves.
Catcher
- Statistical frontrunner: Will Smith (LAD)
- Other candidates: Carson Kelly (CHC), Drake Baldwin (ATL), Sean Murphy (ATL), Ivan Herrera (STL), Gabriel Moreno (ARI)
Smith has improved offensively this season, but there’s speculation he might skip the event to rest before a demanding travel schedule. The remaining candidates include exciting young talent, comeback players, and rising stars.
First Base
- Statistical frontrunner: Freddie Freeman (RAD)
- Other candidates: Pete Alonso (NYM), Bryce Harper (PHI), Michael Bush (CHC)
Freeman, who spent 12 seasons in Atlanta, hasn’t thought much about the game yet despite his stellar season. Alonso has cooled down since April but remains a likely participant.
Second Base
- Statistical frontrunner: Brendan Donovan (STL)
- Other candidates: Ketel Marte (ARI), Bryce Tarán (MIL), Nico Hoerner (CHC)
Donovan leads most offensive categories among NL second basemen, with Marte catching up after returning from injury. Both Tarán and Hoerner impress with their defense and baserunning skills.
Shortstop
- Statistical frontrunner: Francisco Lindor (NYM)
- Other candidates: Geraldo Perdomo (ARI), CJ Abrams (WES), Trea Turner (PHI)
Lindor has yet to appear in an All-Star Game as a Met, despite strong performances. Perdomo was close but has cooled recently.
Third Base
- Statistical frontrunners: Manny Machado (SD), Matt Chapman (SF)
- Other candidates: Austin Riley (ATL), Max Muncy (LAD), Eugenio Suárez (ARI)
This is a choice between powerhouse offense (Machado) or elite defense (Chapman). Machado looks favored given fans’ preference for power hitters.
American League
Outfield
- Statistical frontrunner: Aaron Judge (NYY)
- Other candidates: George Springer (TOR), Stephen Kwan (CLE), Riley Green (DET), Kelly Carpenter (ATL), Byron Buxton (MIN), Lawrence Butler (ATL), Trent Grisham (NYY), Julio Rodríguez (SEA)
- Likely starters: Judge, Kwan, Grisham
Judge is arguably the best hitter in baseball. Behind him, the field is mixed, with players excelling in offense, defense, or both. Kwan and Grisham look poised to earn starting spots thanks to strong performances.
Designated Hitter
- Statistical frontrunners: Rafael Devers (BOS), Ryan O’Hearn (BAL)
- Other candidates: Ben Rice (NYY), Brent Rooker (ATL)
Devers, now a full-time DH, is thriving despite some controversy. O’Hearn stands out on an otherwise struggling Orioles team and might be their only All-Star.
Catcher
- Statistical frontrunner: Cal Raleigh (SEA)
- Other candidates: Carlos Narváez (BOS), Dillon Dingler (ATL), Austin Wells (NYY)
Raleigh is having a standout offensive season and ties with Ohtani for most home runs by a catcher. Some lesser-known candidates might sneak onto the roster due to injuries to established stars.
First Base
- Statistical frontrunner: Jonathan Aranda (TB)
- Other candidates: Spencer Torkelson (DET), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR), Paul Goldschmidt (NYY)
Aranda leads in OPS but lacks the name recognition and team support. Guerrero’s fame and recent contract boost his chances despite not having a transcendent season.
Second Base
- Statistical frontrunner: Gleyber Torres (NYY)
- Other candidates: Brandon Lowe (TB), Jackson Holliday (BAL)
Torres is enjoying an offensive resurgence this year, making a strong case for selection despite defensive struggles.
Shortstop
- Statistical frontrunners: Jeremy Peña (HOU), Jacob Wilson (ATL)
- Other candidates: Bobby Witt Jr. (KC), Gunnar Henderson (BAL), Zack Neto (LAA)
Peña and Wilson offer different strengths—Peña is dynamic, while Wilson excels in making contact. Witt Jr., coming off an MVP runner-up finish, is a popular choice and likely Atlanta starter.
Third Base
- Statistical frontrunner: José Ramírez (CLE)
- Other candidates: Maikel García (KC), Isaac Paredes (HOU), Junior Caminero (TB), Zack McKinstry (DET), Alex Bregman (BOS)
Ramírez leads the AL in OPS+, showcasing his star power despite Bregman missing time due to injury. Caminero, a young slugger, has also made a strong impression.
Fan Take:
This preview highlights the depth of talent shaping the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, signaling a thrilling midseason showdown. For baseball fans, it represents a celebration of the sport’s brightest stars and emerging talents, while reflecting evolving storylines that could define baseball’s future.
