As the Major League Baseball community eagerly anticipates the 2025 season, speculation abounds regarding which players will shine in the coveted All-Star Game. Bryce Harper remains a consistent force, with his profile evolving little over the years. Meanwhile, Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor stand ready as backups for Harper, showcasing their versatility and talent.
Matt Chapman, since his first full season in 2018, ranks sixth in the majors in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) among position players. Despite this impressive statistic, Chapman has only made one All-Star appearance with the Oakland Athletics in 2019. Jazz Chisholm is poised to make a significant impact as he transitions to second base in his debut full season with the New York Yankees.
Elly De La Cruz faces concerns over his strikeout and whiff rates but remains a formidable contender, having been a five-win player in his first full season. Meanwhile, Mike Trout is entering his age-33 season with a history of limited playtime, averaging just 67 games over the past four seasons. In contrast, Aaron Judge has shown remarkable durability, missing time only due to a toe injury in 2023.
Willson Contreras, notable for earning two All-Star starts in his three full seasons, continues to make waves in the majors. Mookie Betts could potentially achieve a historic milestone by becoming the first player to start an All-Star Game at both shortstop and outfield positions. Corbin Carroll's pre-2024 tweaks to his swing mechanics are expected to enhance his performance on the field.
Marcell Ozuna, at 34 years old, defies age expectations and shows no signs of slowing down. Justin Steele boasts an impressive 3.07 ERA over the past two seasons, establishing himself as a reliable pitcher. Brent Rooker made headlines with his power-hitting prowess, smashing 39 home runs in 2024, including 24 on the road.
Jacob deGrom's return at the end of 2024 brought excitement to fans as he made three starts with a fastball averaging an impressive 97.3 mph. His resilience and skill continue to inspire confidence in his contributions to the game.
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