Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (5) runs to first base during the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Sutter Health Park. Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Athletics' Jacob Wilson makes history with All-Star Game selection

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 9:57 PM ET

Jacob Wilson's star continued to rise on Wednesday night.

The Athletics rookie shortstop was named a starter for the American League for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, scheduled for July 15 at Atlanta's Truist Park (8 p.m. ET on Fox). He's now set to become the first fan-elected rookie shortstop to start an All-Star Game.

The last rookie shortstop to start an All-Star Game was Ron Hansen of the Baltimore Orioles in 1960. (Fan balloting for starting lineups for the All-Star Game was restored in 1970.)

HISTORY. MADE.

Congratulations to Jacob Wilson on his first All-Star selection! pic.twitter.com/PuI314OZLJ
— Athletics (@Athletics) July 2, 2025

"This definitely wasn't on the back of my mind in spring training or before the year started," Wilson said Wednesday before a 6-5 road loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, via MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. "This is something you kind of dream of. Definitely a special day. It's exciting. ... We have great coaches and teammates here who have helped me along the way. I'm super grateful for them and happy to be in this position."

Wilson, 23, beat Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. 52% to 48% in All-Star voting, surprising considering Witt's impressive résumé. He finished second in 2024 AL MVP voting.

However, Wilson's numbers this season have surpassed those of Witt. Through his first 81 games, the Grand Canyon University product posted baseball's second-best batting average (.339) and had the second-most hits (108), trailing only New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (112 in 85 games).

Witt, meanwhile, posted a .286 batting average and had 97 hits through his first 86 games.

Unsurprisingly, Wilson is an AL Rookie of the Year favorite. As of Wednesday night, FanDuel Sportsbook gives him -220 odds to win the award.

The Athletics (36-53) are last in the AL West and will likely miss the playoffs, but at least Wilson gives them hope for the future. He's quickly becoming one of the best shortstops in baseball and may earn more All-Star Game selections throughout his career.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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