BUFFALO, NY (THE WORLD TELEGRAM NEWS SPORTS) – As we approach the halfway point of the Major League Baseball season, the 2025 All-Star Game being held in Atlanta, Georgia continues to get closer and closer. The fan polls for voting players into the All-Star Game have opened up in the past few weeks on MLB.com as the completely democratic process continues to be used by MLB.
Every year, there is controversy as to who makes it as an All-Star, with every Major League team sending one player at minimum to the showcase. Each league receives one starter per position with alternate/backup players being voted in as well. The first phase of voting ends on June 26, so submitting a ballot for your favorite (or most deserving) player is imminent. Let’s look at the two best options based on the numbers at each position in each league as I submit my official ballot for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
Catcher
Catcher is a bizarre position to start with because the value of a catcher is far more subjective than most positions. Blocking, framing, and throwing runners out is crucial, and the bat is normally valued less. It’s extremely rare to find a catcher who is an elite hitter, but there are two in particular that have been exceptional this season:
AL: Cal Raleigh - Seattle Mariners
Raleigh is on pace for 63 home runs this season which yes, would be an AL record.
2nd in merit: Carlos Narvaez - Boston Red Sox
NL: Will Smith - Los Angeles Dodgers
Smith is hitting .319 with a .918 OPS this season which ranks 12th in all of baseball.
2nd in merit: Carson Kelly - Chicago Cubs
First Base
Power and run production are normally at the forefront of importance when it comes to first base, and these candidates have those qualities with an extra layer of contact this season for each:
AL: Jonathan Aranda - Tampa Bay Rays
Aranda has had a stellar season, posting a .902 OPS, the best mark among AL first basemen.
2nd in merit: Spencer Torkelson
NL: Freddie Freeman - Los Angeles Dodgers
The contact tool Freddie Freeman has is unmatched at the position, as he has hit .332 with a .958 OPS.
2nd in merit: Pete Alonso
2nd Base
This may be the weakest position when it comes to hitting in MLB. Speed and defense are a commonality among most 2nd basemen, but these few have stood out among the others:
AL: Gleyber Torres - Detroit Tigers
The comeback for Gleyber has been real this season, posting nearly a .800 OPS with 7 homeruns.
2nd in merit: Willi Castro
NL: Ketel Marte - Arizona Diamondbacks
Despite being hurt for a portion of the season, Marte’s .921 OPS is quite the feat. The closest competitor, Jeff McNeil, also has missed time this season, decreasing his value big time.
2nd in merit: Brendan Donovan
3rd Base
We are in an era of great 3rd basemen in baseball right now. There are currently so many future hall of farmers at the position, but these few have taken it to another level in 2025:
AL: Jose Ramirez - Cleveland Guardians
Ramirez has added an elite contact tool to his normal five-tool skillset, hitting .313 this season with a .928 OPS.
2nd in merit: Isaac Paredes
NL: Manny Machado - San Diego Padres
Manny has gotten back to his MVP ways. He’s hitting .316 with 10 homeruns in 2025
2nd in merit: Eugenio Suarez
Shortstop
While defense is important at the position, the hit tool on the shortstops in today’s game is unreal. Some of them have risen above the others as well.
AL: Jacob Wilson - Athletics
It’s somewhat close between Wilson and Jeremy Pena. It depends what you like. Contact, on base, and some power come from Wilson, while Pena gives elite defense, and a little bit more power.
2nd in merit: Jeremy Pena
NL: Elly De La Cruz - Cincinnati Reds
Elly has taken his skills to a new level in 2025, posting a .850 OPS with 16 home runs thus far and is among the league leaders in stolen bases.
2nd in merit: Francisco Lindor
Outfield
In the All-Star Game, MLB has the fans pick three total outfielders to add to the ballot. So here are the three best in each league:
AL: Aaron Judge (NYY), Riley Greene (DET), Byron Buxton (MIN)
Judge has been baseball’s best player, while Greene and Buxton have had great seasons in their own right, posting OPS numbers over .800.
4th in merit: Steven Kwan
NL: Corbin Carroll (ARI), Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC), James Wood (WAS)
Corbin Caroll is on a power surge this season, already passing the 20 home run mark. The other two on the ballot are having incredible breakout seasons in their early twenties.
4th in merit: Kyle Tucker
Designated Hitter
It’s all about the bat with the DH. Here’s who’s been great this year:
AL: Ryan O’Hearn - Baltimore Orioles
He has been one of the only bright spots on a disappointing Orioles team in 2025.
2nd in merit: Brent Rooker
NL: Shohei Ohtani - Los Angeles Dodgers
Need I say much? Ohtani has an OPS over 1.000 (again) and yes, is returning to the mound now as well.
2nd in merit: Kyle Schwarber
Statistics as of 6/16/2025