The 2025 MLB All-Star Game, scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, in Atlanta, Georgia, has ignited controversy with the omission of several standout players, including the prominent Cody Bellinger. This annual event, officially known as the Midsummer Classic, marks its 95th edition and returns to Atlanta for the first time since 2000. The ongoing debate surrounding the player selection process underscores growing frustration among players, teams, and fans over perceived inconsistencies.
Discontent Surrounding the All-Star Selection Process
Despite the All-Star Game’s long legacy, criticism remains about how players are chosen. The league’s effort to ensure representation from every team continues to spark debate, with many arguing it compromises the event’s integrity. Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo openly criticized the system in an interview with the New York Post, asserting that the process does not truly reward the best players in the MLB.
“The process is broken,” said Nimmo. “I don’t think every team should get a person. It’s supposed to be All-Stars. It’s not supposed to be, ‘Who is the best player on every team?’ It’s supposed to be, ‘Who are the best players in the major leagues?'”
—Brandon Nimmo, Mets Outfielder
This ongoing disapproval has become particularly pronounced this year, as several high-performing athletes were excluded from the All-Star roster, raising questions over the true criteria for selection.
Notable Exclusions That Stirred Outcry in 2025
The 2025 All-Star Game saw a surprising number of snubs among top players, with some exclusions proving especially contentious considering their season performances. Here are five of the most notable omissions that have fueled debate:
1) Juan Soto – Outfielder, New York Mets
Juan Soto’s absence was controversial partly due to his slow start after joining the Mets. Although he is the first MLB player outright with at least 20 home runs, 15 doubles, 10 stolen bases, and 70 walks before missing an All-Star selection, his early-season numbers included a .231 batting average with nine home runs and 27 RBIs. These stats led some to question if labeling him a snub was justified.
2) Cody Bellinger – Outfielder, New York Yankees
Cody Bellinger’s non-selection has sparked considerable outrage, as his 2025 campaign has been outstanding. The former National League MVP boasts a .282 batting average, an .830 OPS, 16 home runs, and 54 RBIs in his first Yankees season. In contrast, players like Steven Kwan and Javier Baez, who have provided less wins above replacement (fWAR), earned spots, intensifying calls that Bellinger was unjustly overlooked.
3) George Springer – Outfielder/Designated Hitter, Toronto Blue Jays
George Springer, a two-time Silver Slugger, was another surprise omission. Able to play both in the outfield and as designated hitter, Springer posted the fourth-best OPS among qualified American League outfielders (.856) this season, outperforming some selected players like Kwan, Baez, Julio Rodriguez, and Randy Arozarena. His exclusion is widely seen as a significant snub.
4) Trea Turner – Shortstop, Philadelphia Phillies
Trea Turner leads all National League shortstops in fWAR with a 2.8 rating while maintaining a solid slash line of .291/.344/.436, along with 11 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases. Despite these numbers, Turner was overlooked in favor of Francisco Lindor and Elly De La Cruz, both of whom were chosen to represent the shortstop position.
5) Cristopher Sanchez – Left-Handed Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
Puzzlement surrounded the decision to exclude Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez, particularly after Zack Wheeler was replaced by Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski. Sanchez, enjoying a career year with a 7-2 record, 2.59 ERA, and 116 strikeouts, ranks third in National League fWAR among pitchers, just behind teammate Wheeler and Paul Skenes. His omission highlights further questions about the selection criteria.
Implications and Future Outlook of the 2025 All-Star Selections
The exclusion of high-profile players like Cody Bellinger has intensified scrutiny of MLB’s All-Star player selection methodology. This controversy not only fuels discontent within the baseball community but also challenges the legitimacy of a showcase designed to celebrate the league’s premier talent. With voices such as Brandon Nimmo advocating for a more merit-based approach that prioritizes league-wide excellence over equal team representation, the league may face mounting pressure to revisit and revise its selection rules for future games.
As the All-Star Game unfolds in Atlanta, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this spark of dissatisfaction prompts meaningful adjustments in how MLB honors its top performers moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Cody Bellinger any good?
A. Even though Bellinger hasn’t shown much power hitting recently, he’s still been effective. In his last 10 games, he’s gotten 17 hits in 42 at-bats, which is a .405 average. This season, he’s batting .270 with a .332 on-base percentage and a .460 slugging percentage. Bellinger has 42 RBIs, scored 40 runs, and has stolen eight bases in 319 times at bat.
Q. Did the Cubs get rid of Cody Bellinger?
A. Following that decision, the Cubs traded their star outfielder and first baseman, Cody Bellinger, to the New York Yankees. In return, they got pitcher Cody Poteet. Initially, fans were unhappy with Bellinger being sent away.
Q. Did Cody Bellinger ever win an MVP?
A. In 2019, he earned the NL MVP, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove honors and was picked for his second All-Star game. In 2020, Bellinger helped the Dodgers win the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Q. Why does Cody Bellinger wear 35?
A. For his first six years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cody wore jersey number 35. During his time with the Cubs, he changed to number 24. Now, joining the Yankees, Bellinger Jr. will go back to wearing the number that is very special to him.