MLB All-Star Showdown: Meet the Starters Who’ll Light Up the Midsummer Classic
By Oliver Wiener July 09, 2025 09:38
Major League Baseball has revealed the fan-voted starting position players for the 2025 All-Star Game, a celebration of the league's most outstanding performers. The announcement followed two stages of fan voting, culminating on Wednesday night. This year's Midsummer Classic will be hosted at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia, on July 15—home to the Atlanta Braves. Several notable names and historic firsts define this year’s roster, from Shohei Ohtani’s dual-threat dominance to a rookie shortstop making history. Below is a complete breakdown of every selected starter, their accolades, and what makes their inclusion significant in 2025.
🇺🇸 Aaron Judge – AL’s Leading Vote Getter
Aaron Judge continues to be a fan favorite and one of baseball’s biggest stars. The New York Yankees outfielder was the top vote-getter in the American League and, as a result, automatically secured his seventh All-Star starting spot. Known for his powerful bat and elite fielding, Judge's presence at Truist Park solidifies his dominance in the league. This year marks yet another chapter in Judge's storied All-Star legacy, as he leads a star-studded AL outfield.
🇯🇵 Shohei Ohtani – NL’s Two-Way Sensation
Shohei Ohtani, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, led all National League players in votes. The two-way phenom will serve as the starting designated hitter, marking his fifth All-Star selection. Ohtani continues to redefine what is possible in baseball, blending elite pitching with MVP-caliber offense. He earned the right to bypass the second phase of voting, displaying the respect and awe he commands across the baseball world.
Francisco Lindor – First Starting Nod
Francisco Lindor finally lands his first All-Star Game start in what will be his fifth career selection. The New York Mets shortstop, who joined the team in 2021, has consistently been among the top performers in his position. In 2025, fan support finally aligned with his performance, pushing him past fierce competition in the NL to secure this honor. It is a significant milestone for Lindor and a testament to his consistency and flair on both sides of the ball.
Jacob Wilson – Historic Rookie Breakthrough
Jacob Wilson made history by becoming the first rookie shortstop ever to win the fan vote for an All-Star Game. Representing the Oakland Athletics, Wilson overcame Kansas City Royals’ star Bobby Witt Jr. in the final round of voting. This recognition cements Wilson as one of the MLB Top prospects and signals a bright future ahead. His breakout campaign has electrified fans and breathed life into rebuilding A’s roster.
Cal Raleigh – Ending a Mariners Drought
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh was rewarded for his slugging and defensive mastery with his first All-Star nod. Not only is this his career’s first selection, but it also ends a decade-long drought for the Mariners. The last player from Seattle to earn a starting spot was Nelson Cruz in 2015. Raleigh’s rise reflects the new energy in Seattle’s clubhouse and offers fans a glimpse into a new generation of leadership behind the plate.
Javier Báez – Comeback King Shines Again
Javier Báez’s resurgence in 2025 is one of the season’s best stories. Now playing for the Detroit Tigers, Báez has earned his third All-Star start—each at a different position. This unique achievement underscores his versatility and value. Once considered past his prime, Báez has roared back to form, contributing on both sides of the ball and becoming a critical part of Detroit’s lineup.
Ketel Marte – Back-to-Back Fan Favorite
Ketel Marte continues to make his mark with the Arizona Diamondbacks, becoming the first National League second baseman to win back-to-back fan votes since Chase Utley’s five-year streak from 2006 to 2010. This is Marte’s third All-Star selection and a nod to his consistent excellence at a tough position. His contributions in both offense and defense have made him indispensable to Arizona’s playoff hopes.
Detroit Tigers – A Trio of Fan-Favorites
The Detroit Tigers made a bold statement in this year's voting, leading all teams with three selections among American League starters. Gleyber Torres (second base), Riley Greene (outfield), and Javier Báez (outfield) represent a dynamic core. For Torres and Greene, this marks their first career All-Star selections, indicating Detroit’s successful youth movement and resurgence in fan engagement. The Tigers' presence in the lineup hints at a revitalized era for the once-dominant franchise.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Matching the Tigers’ Feat
The Dodgers also boast three starting players in the National League lineup. Shohei Ohtani (DH), Will Smith (catcher, third All-Star selection), and Freddie Freeman (first base, ninth All-Star nod) represent a powerhouse trio. Each brings elite production and veteran leadership to the roster. The Dodgers continue to be a fan magnet and a dominant force on the diamond, reflected in this year’s All-Star composition.
Full 2025 All-Star Starting Lineups
Every Name, Every Selection Across AL and NL
American League Starters
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Catcher: Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners, 1st selection)
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First Base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays, 4th selection)
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Second Base: Gleyber Torres (Detroit Tigers, 1st selection)
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Third Base: José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians, 7th selection)
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Shortstop: Jacob Wilson (Oakland Athletics, 1st selection)
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Outfielders: Aaron Judge (Yankees, 7th); Riley Greene (Tigers, 1st); Javier Báez (Tigers, 3rd)
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Designated Hitter: Ryan O’Hearn (Baltimore Orioles, 1st selection)
National League Starters
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Catcher: Will Smith (Los Angeles Dodgers, 3rd selection)
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First Base: Freddie Freeman (Dodgers, 9th selection)
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Second Base: Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks, 3rd selection)
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Third Base: Manny Machado (San Diego Padres, 7th selection)
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Shortstop: Francisco Lindor (New York Mets, 5th selection)
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Outfielders: Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves, 5th); Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs, 1st); Kyle Tucker (Cubs, 4th)
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Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers, 5th selection)
Looking Ahead to July 15 at Truist Park
While the fan-voted starters are now known, the rest of the rosters will be revealed on Sunday, July 6, through a combination of fan and player votes. The All-Star Game , set for Tuesday, July 15 at Truist Park in Georgia, will be managed by Aaron Boone for the American League and Dave Roberts for the National League. Each manager will choose their league’s starting pitcher, rounding out what promises to be an unforgettable showdown between MLB’s brightest talents.

