The American League has an unexpected player at shortstop, while the National League features a new face in center field. A handful of players from the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers complete the rosters.
The All-Star Game starters were revealed on Wednesday evening, showcasing numerous recognizable names—third basemen Manny Machado and Jose Ramirez made their seventh appearance, and Freddie Freeman is an All-Star for the ninth time. Notably, there are four newcomers, including Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson, who has excelled in his debut season, earning a spot ahead of several more established players.
Pitchers and reserves will be announced on Sunday, with starting pitchers set to be revealed the week of the game. For now, the first 18 players chosen for this mid-summer classic have been unveiled.
National League
C — Will Smith, Dodgers
1B — Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
2B — Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
3B — Manny Machado, Padres
SS — Francisco Lindor, Mets
OF — Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves
OF — Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs
OF — Kyle Tucker, Cubs
DH — Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
Leading vote getter: Ohtani
It’s no surprise Ohtani leads the votes. Despite making three starts in his return to pitching this season, he earns his fifth consecutive All-Star selection due to his impressive batting, leading all qualified hitters in wRC+ and topping the league in runs, home runs, and slugging percentage.
First Timer: Crow-Armstrong
Having established himself as a top-tier runner, fielder, and now hitter, Crow-Armstrong has become one of baseball’s premier all-around talents. He ranks fifth in fWAR, only behind Ohtani in the NL, helping propel the Cubs to the top of the NL Central.
Biggest Surprise: Acuña
Acuña’s stellar performance this season raises eyebrows, particularly as he was voted an All-Star starter after appearing in just 35 games. Since returning from knee surgery, Acuña has shown why he is considered elite, leaving little doubt about his All-Star capabilities despite limited appearances.
Feel-Good Story: Lindor
Though not an underdog story, this marks Lindor’s first start after four previous All-Star selections and his first since 2019. Having shown flashes of his former self from his days in Cleveland, he’s reminded fans of his significance in the game.
Early Snub: James Wood, Nationals
While the Dodgers saw all finalist positions filled, notable outfielders like Wood and Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll, who are both top players in fWAR, were left out of the lineup. Others, like Bobby Witt Jr., also raised eyebrows by not being chosen despite worthy performances this season.
