We’re now a little past halfway through the season, which means it’s time to reflect on the first half and look ahead to who will represent their teams during All-Star Week. This year’s events will take place in Atlanta, returning for the first time since being moved four years ago due to controversy.
As always, the festivities kick off with the Home Run Derby, scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the eight contestants:
· Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Yankees) – 17 home runs
· Junior Caminero (Rays, 22 years old) – 23 home runs
· Matt Olson (Braves) – 17 home runs (replacing Ronald Acuña Jr., who is out due to back tightness)
· Brent Rooker (Athletics) – 20 home runs
· Byron Buxton (Twins) – 21 home runs
· Oneil Cruz (Pirates) – 16 home runs
· James Wood (Nationals) – 24 home runs
· Cal Raleigh (Mariners) – 38 home runs (leads the league)
The Home Run Derby is always unpredictable. While Cal Raleigh enters as the favorite due to his power, the event often comes down to stamina and momentum. With his fast swing, high hard-hit rate, and youthful energy, I’m picking James Wood to take the crown for the Nationals.
All-Star Game Preview
The All-Star Game takes place Tuesday night, as the American League (AL) and National League (NL) face off once again. Can the AL continue their dominance, or will home-field advantage tip the scales in favor of the NL?
We’ll see a marquee pitching matchup: Tarik Skubal (AL) vs. Paul Skenes (NL). But first, let’s break down the rosters and highlight some key storylines—including a few notable snubs.
American League Roster
Starters
· C: Cal Raleigh (SEA)
· 1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)
· 2B: Gleyber Torres (DET)
· 3B: Junior Caminero (TB)* – Replacing Alex Bregman
· SS: Jacob Wilson (OAK)
· OF: Aaron Judge (NYY)
· OF: Riley Greene (DET)
· OF: Javier Báez (DET)
· DH: Ryan O’Hearn (BAL)
Reserves
· Alejandro Kirk (TOR)
· Jonathan Aranda (TB)
· Alex Bregman (BOS) – Injured
· Jazz Chisholm Jr. (NYY)
· Brandon Lowe (TB)
· Jeremy Peña (HOU) – Injured
· Bobby Witt Jr. (KC)
· Isaac Paredes (HOU)* – Replaced José Ramírez
· Zach McKinstry (DET)* – Replaced Peña
· Maikel Garcia
· Byron Buxton (MIN)
· Steven Kwan (CLE)
· Randy Arozarena
· Julio Rodríguez (SEA) – Opted out
· Brent Rooker (OAK)
Pitchers
· Tarik Skubal (DET)
· Casey Mize (DET)
· Shane Smith (CWS)
· Drew Rasmussen (TB)
· Kris Bubic (KC)
· Garrett Crochet (BOS)
· Yusei Kikuchi (LAA)
· Joe Ryan (MIN)* – Replacement
· Bryan Woo (SEA)
· Carlos Rodón (NYY) – Replaced Max Fried
· Aroldis Chapman (BOS)
· Josh Hader (HOU)
· Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
· Carlos Estevez (KC)
Additional Notes:
· Maikel Garcia replaced Brandon Lowe
· Casey Mize replaced Garrett Crochet
· Randy Arozarena replaced Julio Rodríguez
National League Roster
Starters
· C: Will Smith (LAD)
· 1B: Freddie Freeman (LAD)
· 2B: Ketel Marte (ARI)
· 3B: Manny Machado (SD)
· SS: Francisco Lindor (NYM)
· OF: Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL) – Opted out
· OF: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC)
· OF: Kyle Tucker (CHC)
· DH: Shohei Ohtani (LAD)
Reserves
· Hunter Goodman (COL)
· Pete Alonso (NYM)
· Elly De La Cruz (CIN)
· Brendan Donovan (STL)
· Matt Olson (ATL)
· Eugenio Suárez (ARI)
· Corbin Carroll (ARI)
· Kyle Stowers (MIA)
· Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD)
· James Wood (WSH)
· Kyle Schwarber (PHI)
Pitchers
· Paul Skenes (PIT)
· Logan Webb (SF)
· Zack Wheeler (PHI)
· MacKenzie Gore (WSH)
· Jacob Misiorowski (MIL)* – Replaced Matthew Boyd
· David Peterson (NYM)* – Replaced Robbie Ray
· Robert Suárez (SD)* – Replaced Chris Sale
· Andrew Abbott – Replaced Yoshinobu Yamamoto
· Trevor Megill (MIL)* – Replaced Freddy Peralta
· Clayton Kershaw (LAD) – Legend Pick
· Adrian Morejon
· Jason Adam (SD)
· Edwin Díaz (NYM)
· Randy Rodríguez (SF)
While many initial snubs were corrected—James Wood, for example, wasn’t originally voted in despite an outstanding season—some omissions remain controversial.
Juan Soto, after signing a massive contract, started the season slowly. Despite rebounding strongly in recent weeks, the turnaround came a bit too late to earn a spot.
A bigger controversy surrounds Cristopher Sánchez of the Phillies. With a 9–2 record, a 2.68 ERA, and only seven home runs allowed all season, his performance clearly warrants recognition. However, the nod went to Milwaukee rookie Jacob Misiorowski, who has only made five career starts. While Misiorowski is undeniably talented, many—especially Phillies fans—feel Sánchez was unfairly overlooked.
In the AL, the biggest omission appears to be Framber Valdez of the Astros, who sports a 10–4 record, 2.90 ERA, and 115 strikeouts over 115 innings—remarkably similar to Sánchez.
Other deserving players who missed the cut include Seiya Suzuki (CHC), Trea Turner (PHI), and Andy Pages (LAD), among others.
All-Star festivities always provide a fun midseason break for both fans and players—it’s just a shame that not everyone who deserves recognition always gets it.