MLB has an All-Star Game selection problem

Freddie Freeman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sneak into MLB All-Star Game

The 2026 All-Star Game features another star-studded roster both in the National League and the American League, but there were a few players who may have gotten in undeservingly. Let’s start with Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman, who was selected to be the starting first baseman in the NL.

While the former MVP is having a great season, currently batting .293 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI to go along with a .884 OPS, it’s tough to argue that he’s been better than Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper. The host city’s first baseman is hitting considerably lower than Freeman, with a .270 batting average, but he has more home runs (20), RBI (57), stolen bases (5), walks (54) and a higher OPS (.892).

There’s not too much to scoff at because the numbers are similar, and Harper is also being chosen to participate in the game as the “Legend Pick,” but it feels like more of a pity award even though he’s played well enough to get a normal selection. 

Another player whose selection was controversial was Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The six-time All-Star is one of the biggest names in the sport, but with a .266 average, four home runs, 35 RBI and a .698 OPS, it’s just difficult to justify giving him the nod. He has since announced that he’ll be sitting the game out to heal up, but that doesn’t correct the fact that he would have taken up a spot that should have been reserved for a much more deserving player.

Simple fix to correct the All-Star selection process

It’s become clear that fans tend to vote for stars and players they are familiar with rather than those who are most deserving, so the system is in need of a revamp. The NBA used to have the same exact problem, but it was quickly and effectively eliminated by reducing the impact of the fan vote. Now, media members and players account for half of the vote, while fans make up the other half, significantly decreasing the odds of notable snubs.

Every year, we see teams like the Dodgers and the New York Yankees, teams with enormous fanbases, dump in millions of votes and flood the All-Star games with their players. Not only would giving media members and players a share of the vote empower those who are more knowledgeable about the game to make an impact, but it would also soften the impact that big markets have on the game.

The MLB All-Star selection process has been extremely flawed for years now, and this season is a perfect time to correct it. Let players and the media have a say in who the nine starters are and the game instantly feels like an award based on merit rather than name recognition.