MLB · 1 year ago

11 MLB Players Making the Case to be 1st-Time NL All-Stars in 2025

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Catcher: Keibert Ruiz, Washington Nationals
2025 Stats: 115 PA, .299/.348/.393, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 110 wRC+, 0.2 fWAR

Keibert Ruiz is finally delivering on his promise for the Washington Nationals. Ranked sixth among catchers by wRC+, he’s now matching offensive numbers of All-Star caliber players like Adley Rutschman. With room to grow his power numbers further, Ruiz seems ready to solidify himself among the elite at his position.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
Closer: Justin Martinez, Arizona Diamondbacks
2025 Stats: 12 G, 10 IP, 2.70 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 9.90 K/9

Justin Martinez possesses elite closer potential for the Arizona Diamondbacks, driven by a dominant splitter inducing a remarkable 46% whiff rate. Coupled with his triple-digit fastball, Martinez is an emerging star whose explosive stuff positions him for his first All-Star selection.

All Stats as of May 2

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
Starting Pitcher: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers
2025 Stats: 6 GS, 34 IP, 1.06 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 2.27 FIP, 11.38 K/9

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is living up to his $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, dominating with elite strikeout numbers and weak contact rates. His remarkable start has established him as a potential NL All-Star starter and a true ace-caliber pitcher.

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Designated Hitter: Pavin Smith, Arizona Diamondbacks
2025 Stats: 96 PA, .329/.469/.605, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 195 wRC+, 1.1 fWAR

Formerly a top prospect, Pavin Smith is finally fulfilling his promise with remarkable consistency and elite barrel rates with the Arizona Diamondbacks (95th percentile at 19.1%). His disciplined approach and explosive power make him a clear frontrunner for All-Star recognition at DH.

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Outfielder: Jung Hoo Lee, San Francisco Giants
2025 Stats: 129 PA, .316/.372/.521, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 148 wRC+, 1.5 fWAR

Former KBO standout Jung Hoo Lee has fully adjusted to MLB pitching with the San Francisco Giants after injury derailed his 2024 season. His elite contact skills and improved power have produced top-tier offensive results, making Lee a compelling candidate for his inaugural All-Star berth.
Outfielder: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs
2025 Stats: 134 PA, .266/.305/.508, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 12 SB, 125 wRC+, 1.8 fWAR

Pete Crow-Armstrong has finally become the five-tool talent scouts predicted, excelling offensively, defensively, and on the bases for the . He currently ranks among MLB leaders in fWAR, highlighting his broad skill set and cementing his first All-Star selection as highly probable.
Outfielder: James Wood, Washington Nationals
2025 Stats: 141 PA, .250/.362/.533, 9 HR, 21 RBI, 148 wRC+, 1.0 fWAR

James Wood is anchoring the Washington Nationals’ young core, demonstrating impressive opposite-field power and plate discipline. His nine home runs and solid wRC+ indicate an emerging star whose trajectory could soon include All-Star selections and even MVP conversations.
Shortstop: Willy Adames, San Francisco Giants
2025 Stats: 145 PA, .211/.290/.297, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 70 wRC+, -0.5 fWAR

Despite a rough start with the San Francisco Giants, Willy Adames's previous seasons of 30-plus homers underline his All-Star potential. Although currently slumping, Adames’s proven track record gives him a chance to rebound and finally earn recognition at the Midsummer Classic.
Third Base: Noelvi Marte, Cincinnati Reds
2025 Stats: 63 PA, .328/.381/.586, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 160 wRC+, 0.8 fWAR

Returning from a difficult 2024 shortened by suspension, Noelvi Marte is exceeding expectations. He’s demonstrated rare plate discipline, striking out in only 13.4% of his plate appearances, which is exceptional for a power hitter. Marte’s early surge for the Cincinnati Reds makes him a standout choice in a weaker NL third base field.
Second Base: Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals
2025 Stats: 129 PA, .333/.383/.487, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 144 wRC+, 1.2 fWAR

Brendan Donovan is dominating a crowded field at second base. His 144 wRC+ is well above his NL counterparts, placing him clearly ahead. Already productive in previous years for the St. Louis Cardinals, Donovan is stepping into star territory and making a compelling argument to be recognized among the league's top infielders.
First Base: Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs
2025 Stats: 118 PA, .282/.373/.515, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 150 wRC+, 0.7 fWAR

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch has elevated his game dramatically this season. Posting a stellar 150 wRC+, he joins Pete Alonso as one of the National League’s top offensive first basemen. After an impressive 2024, Busch’s remarkable consistency makes him an ideal candidate for his first All-Star selection.
Catcher: Keibert Ruiz, Washington Nationals
2025 Stats: 115 PA, .299/.348/.393, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 110 wRC+, 0.2 fWAR

Keibert Ruiz is finally delivering on his promise for the Washington Nationals. Ranked sixth among catchers by wRC+, he’s now matching offensive numbers of All-Star caliber players like Adley Rutschman. With room to grow his power numbers further, Ruiz seems ready to solidify himself among the elite at his position.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
Closer: Justin Martinez, Arizona Diamondbacks
2025 Stats: 12 G, 10 IP, 2.70 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 9.90 K/9

Justin Martinez possesses elite closer potential for the Arizona Diamondbacks, driven by a dominant splitter inducing a remarkable 46% whiff rate. Coupled with his triple-digit fastball, Martinez is an emerging star whose explosive stuff positions him for his first All-Star selection.

All Stats as of May 2

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

11 MLB Players Making the Case to be 1st-Time NL All-Stars in 2025

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