The baseball world is buzzing, and for good reason—this year’s MLB All-Star Game, set to take over Atlanta’s Truist Park on July 15, is shaping up to be a true spectacle. From grizzled veterans making historic comebacks to fiery young stars ready to make their mark, the 2025 edition has something for every kind of fan.
Let’s kick it off with a name that needs no introduction—Clayton Kershaw. Just days after becoming only the 20th pitcher in Major League history to notch 3,000 career strikeouts, the Dodgers legend received his 11th All-Star nod. But this wasn’t just any selection. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred gave Kershaw the "Legend Pick," a spot reserved for the game's icons, just as he did with Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols in 2022. At age 37, Kershaw is officially the oldest All-Star on the roster and the most decorated, leading the NL with his impressive resume.
Despite the honor, Kershaw remained humble and didn’t want to discuss the selection when asked Sunday. Typical Kershaw—let his pitching do the talking.
But the All-Star Game isn’t just about legends. It’s about the next wave, and this year, that youth movement is electric. The 23-and-under squad is making noise, and rightly so. Headlining that group is Paul Skenes, the fireballer from Pittsburgh who already started last year’s All-Star Game a mere 66 days after his MLB debut. Now 23, he’s eager for a repeat performance. “I think it would be stupid to say no to that,” Skenes joked, noting he deliberately kept his schedule open. “I’m super stoked.”
Joining Skenes are James Wood of the Nationals and Elly De La Cruz of the Reds—both 23 as well. Wood, at just 22, is the youngest of all 65 All-Stars selected. The outfielder came to Washington in the 2022 trade that sent Juan Soto to San Diego—a move that’s now paying serious dividends. “It’ll just be cool being around some of the best players in the game,” Wood said. And that’s coming from a guy who might soon be one of those best.
To sweeten the pot, both Jacob Wilson and Pete Crow-Armstrong—also 23—were voted as fan-elected starters, bumping the total number of 23-and-under All-Stars to five. Talk about the kids taking over!
But it’s not just about age. It’s about first-timers too. In total, 19 players are making their All-Star debut this year. That includes Wood, Wilson, and Crow-Armstrong, along with Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo, Boston third baseman Alex Bregman, and Houston shortstop Jeremy Peña, among others. These guys are ready to show they belong on the big stage.
Let’s not forget the American League, which will be rolling deep thanks to some major firepower. Starting pitchers like Hunter Brown (Houston), Garrett Crochet (Boston), Jacob deGrom (Texas), Max Fried (Yankees), and Tarik Skubal (Detroit) headline the AL rotation. They're joined by relievers Aroldis Chapman (Boston), Josh Hader (Houston), and Andrés Muñoz (Seattle), forming a unit that’s as dominant as it is diverse.
And get this—Chapman, the flame-throwing lefty, is the actual oldest All-Star this year, born 19 days before Kershaw. So yes, the guy with the triple-digit fastball still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
Now let’s dive into the AL reserves, which were picked by players. You’ve got Toronto’s Alejandro Kirk behind the plate, Tampa Bay’s Jonathan Aranda and Brandon Lowe covering the right side of the infield, and Brent Rooker holding down the DH spot for the Athletics. Outfielders Byron Buxton (Twins), Steven Kwan (Guardians), and Julio Rodríguez (Mariners) round out a group with serious pop and flash.
In terms of MLB’s own selections, they went heavy on pitching, snagging guys like Kris Bubic (Royals), Yusei Kikuchi (Angels), and Shane Smith (White Sox). Smith, in particular, is a story worth watching—he’s just the second player since 2000 to become an All-Star the year after being chosen in the Rule 5 Draft, following in the footsteps of Dan Uggla back in 2006. Left unprotected by Milwaukee, Smith now joins rookie Jacob Wilson as one of just two rookies on the All-Star rosters.
Speaking of the National League’s reserve roster—brace yourself, it’s stacked.
Players picked include Hunter Goodman (Rockies), Pete Alonso (Mets), Brendan Donovan (Cardinals), Eugenio Suárez (Diamondbacks), and of course, the electric Kyle Schwarber (Phillies). And who could overlook Fernando Tatis Jr., who continues to dazzle in San Diego’s outfield?
Then there’s the NL pitching lineup. Joining Skenes are fellow starters MacKenzie Gore (Nationals), Chris Sale (Braves), Logan Webb (Giants), and Zack Wheeler (Phillies). The bullpen? Equally lethal, with guys like Jason Adam (Padres), Edwin Díaz (Mets), and Randy Rodríguez (Giants) ready to lock it down.
The Dodgers, per usual, are heavily represented. With Kershaw, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith all on the roster, this marks the sixth consecutive season LA sends at least five All-Stars. Pretty impressive, even for a franchise used to All-Star saturation.
MLB’s National League picks also include Matthew Boyd (Cubs), Freddy Peralta (Brewers), Robbie Ray (Giants), Matt Olson (Braves), and Kyle Stowers (Marlins). Safe to say, the rosters are as deep and talented as ever.
Of course, no All-Star list is ever complete without some notable absences. Players like Juan Soto, Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, George Springer, and Sonny Gray weren’t selected. But don’t panic yet—there are usually about 10 replacement players announced between the initial roster reveal and the game itself, thanks to injuries or pitching rotations.
And while we’re talking flair—Jazz Chisholm Jr. is ready to turn heads on the red carpet. “That’s my thing,” the Yankees infielder said. “I do have a ‘fit in mind.” Expect fireworks, both on the field and the runway.
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