Five players who deserve to make their first MLB All-Star Game

MLB’s All-Star Game is rapidly approaching, and as always, the Midsummer Classic is brimming with elite talent. This year, however, a new wave of breakout stars is ready to take center stage. Here’s a look at five standouts making a case to join baseball’s best in Arlington on July 15.

1. Cal Raleigh, C, Seattle Mariners

It’s hard to believe Cal Raleigh has never been named an All-Star. The Mariners’ slugger is in the midst of one of the most dominant offensive seasons we’ve ever seen from a catcher.

With 26 home runs as of Tuesday, Raleigh is on pace to crush 65 homers over a full season. That kind of power is unheard of behind the plate. Combine that with a .266 batting average, 53 RBI and Gold Glove-caliber defense, and you have a legitimate AL MVP candidate.

The American League features plenty of quality catchers, however, no other backstop (in either league) can compete with Raleigh’s unprecedented production. He is an easy lock for the starting spot in 2025. 

2. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF, Chicago Cubs

A breakout MVP candidate in the National League, Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as one of the game’s most complete players.

He ranks second in MLB in WAR (4.0), trailing only reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge (5.2), and is doing it with a dynamic blend of power (17 HR) and speed (21 SB). Defensively, he leads all of baseball in Runs Prevented and has made multiple highlight-reel catches, including one with a sub-10% catch probability.

Crow-Armstrong’s likely debut All-Star appearance should be the first of what looks like a long and decorated career at the top of center field rankings.

3. James Wood, RF, Washington Nationals

James Wood’s arrival has the future in Washington looking much brighter.

The 6-foot-7 outfielder has flashed his immense potential all season, launching 16 home runs and swiping nine bases while showcasing surprising agility for his frame. Wood is more than just a physical marvel. He’s becoming a true cornerstone for a rebuilding Nationals franchise.

If his current pace continues, his first All-Star appearance in 2025 certainly won’t be his last.

4. Logan O’Hoppe, C, Los Angeles Angels

While Raleigh has stolen headlines, Logan O’Hoppe is quietly crafting an All-Star case of his own in Anaheim.

After hitting 20 home runs across 136 games in 2024, O’Hoppe has already mashed 14 homers in just 55 games this season, putting him on pace for 35 home runs, which would tie him for the 15th-most homers in a single season by a catcher in MLB history.

With his offensive development accelerating, O’Hoppe deserves a place among the AL’s All-Star backstops in 2025.

5. Kris Bubic, SP, Kansas City Royals

No one expected Kris Bubic to emerge as Kansas City’s ace, but here we are.

In a rotation originally expected to be anchored by Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, Bubic has taken the spotlight with a jaw-dropping 1.43 ERA and 3.0 WAR, leading all qualified AL starters in both categories.

If he sustains his current pace, Bubic won’t just be an All-Star — he could be a serious contender to start the game for the American League, challenging reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal for that honor.

Honorable Mentions

• Brendan Donovan, INF/OF, Cardinals
• Maikel Garcia, 3B, Royals
• Hunter Goodman, C/1B, Rockies
• Kyle Stowers, OF, Marlins

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will feature the sport’s biggest names, but these emerging stars are ready to make their mark on the national stage. Over time, they have the potential to usher in the next generation of greatness in MLB.