Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler and Pittsburgh Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes have emerged as two of the National League’s top starting pitchers so far this year. While Skenes, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, is widely viewed as a leading candidate to start the All-Star game in July, Wheeler’s strong performance and local ties present a compelling alternative for the 2025 All-Star starter spot.
Insiders Highlight Wheeler’s Case Over Skenes for All-Star Start
According to Phillies insider Todd Zolecki, Wheeler’s outstanding season with the first-place Phillies and his hometown connection to Atlanta, where the 2025 All-Star Game will be played at Truist Park, strengthen his bid to be named the game’s starter. Smyrna, Wheeler’s hometown, is just a short drive away, adding a sentimental edge to his candidacy.
“Paul Skenes has had a great year, but Zack Wheeler’s on a first-place team, with also Cy Young-caliber numbers, and he’s from Atlanta [where the All-Star game is taking place]. I think it would make a lot of sense [for Wheeler to start the game],” Zolecki said, via ‘The Phillies Show’ on Wednesday.
Jim Salisbury, another well-regarded analyst, echoed this viewpoint, suggesting that Wheeler’s storybook connection to the area could generate more excitement and media buzz for the league.
“If you’re looking to capitalize [on the occasion] and get buzz and pop, Skenes is a pretty good place to go too, but the romantic in me would like to start Zack Wheeler start a couple miles from where he played Little League,” Salisbury added
Recent Performances Boost Both Pitchers’ All-Star Claims
As the mid-season showcase draws near, both Wheeler and Skenes have delivered impressive outings, reinforcing their status as front-runners for the All-Star starting role. Wheeler dazzled in the Phillies’ home series opener against the San Diego Padres on Monday, throwing eight scoreless innings while striking out 10 batters, guiding Philadelphia to a 4-0 victory.
Meanwhile, Paul Skenes demonstrated his dominance on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, pitching five flawless innings and recording five strikeouts to secure a narrow 1-0 win for the Pirates. Their recent form suggests NL manager Dave Roberts faces a tough decision when selecting the starter for the All-Star game.
Implications of the Starter Decision for the 2025 All-Star Game
Choosing between the established veteran Wheeler and the rising star Skenes symbolizes more than just baseball merit—it involves weighing performance, narrative, and local significance. Wheeler’s Cy Young-quality statistics combined with his Atlanta roots provide a storyline the league could spotlight, while Skenes’ rapid rise still captivates fans eager for a fresh face to headline the event.
As the season progresses, both pitchers are expected to continue showcasing their talents, making the final starter announcement a highly anticipated and meaningful moment for the National League and its supporters.