Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs has delivered an impressive performance during the 2025 season as the team’s designated hitter, tallying 25 home runs and 77 RBIs. However, Suzuki was overlooked for the All-Star Game roster, where Shohei Ohtani holds the starting DH spot and Kyle Schwarber occupies the reserve position. This Seiya Suzuki All-Star snub has sparked criticism, particularly from teammate Justin Turner, who argues Suzuki’s numbers and contributions make him far more deserving of a selection.
Speaking on episode 144 of Holding Kourt, Turner highlighted Suzuki’s league-leading RBI total and predicted that Suzuki would reach around 150 RBIs by season’s end unless hindered by injury. Turner emphasized the unusual limitation in the All-Star Game’s designated hitter role, where only one starter and one reserve are named, contrasting this with other positions that typically include multiple representatives.
“I think the unfair thing about that is obviously he’s DHed most of the season,” Turner said [From 27:50]. “And in every other position in the All-Star Game, they add two or three players at every position. Except for DH. DH, there’s one guy. It’s obviously they were, it was going to be Ohtani. Like, that’s not even a question. But then they don’t put a second DH.”
Turner acknowledged the league’s assumption that most players can fill the DH role, assuming flexibility from infielders and outfielders, which overlooks the specialization and difficulty of excelling purely as a designated hitter.
“It is a position, and it’s not easy to do. And Seiya is way more than deserving. So, a big snub there,” Turner added.
Historically, Suzuki’s situation is notable because only 35 players have hit 25 home runs before the All-Star break this year, and it’s been nearly a century since someone with such numbers was excluded as an All-Star — the last case was Detroit Tigers’ Hank Greenberg in 1935.
Justin Turner Identifies Another Cubs Player Overlooked for All-Star Honors
Beyond Suzuki, Turner also singled out Michael Busch, the Cubs’ first baseman, as another player who deserved All-Star recognition this year. Turner praised Busch’s breakout campaign, noting his standing as sixth in Major League Baseball for OPS (on-base plus slugging), a key indicator of offensive performance.
“I think he’s obviously having a breakout year,” Turner said (Timestamp: 28:48). “He’s doing big things. He’s like sixth in all of baseball in OPS. He is literally, I mean, if you can put his numbers up against any first baseman in the game, and his are better, literally. So I think it’s just tough that you have these household names that are getting in.”
Turner suggested that high-profile players such as Freddie Freeman, Pete Alonso, and Austin Riley often dominate All-Star selections, leaving standout players like Busch without recognition despite outperforming many of their peers. This dynamic highlights the challenge for emerging talent to break through when well-known names lead the ballot or coach selections.
Impact of the Snubs and What It Means Moving Forward
The Seiya Suzuki All-Star snub raises questions about how designated hitters are evaluated and selected for the midseason showcase given the limited roster spots for the position. Suzuki’s numbers demonstrate that he is a critical offensive contributor in the National League and deserves wider recognition. Justin Turner’s defense of his teammates brings attention to the imbalance in the selection process that may overlook certain specialists and breakout players.
For Suzuki, the disappointment may be tempered by his reputation in the Cubs’ clubhouse, where Turner describes him as one of the most quietly entertaining and respected teammates. The popular support from within the team could continue to boost Suzuki’s profile with fans and analysts as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, fans and commentators will likely continue to debate All-Star selections, potentially pushing the league to reconsider how it accommodates designated hitters and recognizes emerging stars like Michael Busch. Suzuki’s exclusion despite a historic performance makes it clear that the All-Star selection system might need to adapt to modern playing trends and specialties in baseball.