Jacob Wilson gets the AL start at shortstop.
Maybe Bobby Witt Jr. shouldn’t have set expectation so high last year?
In 2024, Witt put together one of the best non-MVP seasons in recent history. This year he is merely “very good”, and yet that wasn’t enough to gain the support of All-Star voters at shortstop, who went with Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson.
Wilson is having a very good season – impressive for a kid that was in college just over two years ago. But Bobby still outshines him in many offensive categories, and is a much superior baserunner and defender.
I understand that 2025 has been somewhat disappointing compared to 2024, but Bobby Witt Jr. is the more valuable, better overall player than Jacob Wilson this year. Wilson gets his hits, but Bobby is by far the better fielder and baserunner. pic.twitter.com/JkgYW1MSV3
— The Royals Rundown Podcast (@RoyalRundownPod) July 2, 2025
Wilson and Witt had been in a voting run-off, with Wilson taking 52 percent of the vote, one of the closest runoff votes for All-Star starters. Bobby could still be, and will likely be, selected as an All-Star reserve.
Other starters were announced Wednesday night for the All-Star Game that will be played at Truist Park on July 15 in Atlanta. Reserves and pitchers will be announced this Sunday at 4 p.m. CT on ESPN.
American League
Catcher – Cal Raleigh, Mariners
First Base – Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays
Second Base – Gleyber Torres, Tigers
Shortstop – Jacob Wilson, Athletics
Third Base – José Ramírez, Guardians
Oufielder – Aaron Judge, Yankees
Outfielder – Riley Greene, Tigers
Outfielder – Javier Báez, Tigers
Designated Hitter – Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles
National League
Catcher – Will Smith, Dodgers
First Base – Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
Second Base – Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
Shortstop – Francisco Lindor, Mets
Third Base – Manny Machado, Padres
Outfielder – Ronald Acuña, Jr., Braves
Outfielder – Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs
Outfielder – Kyle Tucker, Cubs
Designated Hitter – Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers