The 2025 MLB All-Star Game is just around the corner, set for July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta, and of course it’s one of baseball’s most highly anticipated events. The best players from the American and National leagues will be there, showing off their talent. However, a recent tweet from Spotrac has generated uproar by pointing out that seven of the ten highest paid MLB players were not selected for this year’s roster.
Among the most prominent names are Juan Soto, Mike Trout, Carlos Correa and Gerrit Cole, who, despite their million-dollar contracts, will not be at the event. On the other hand, players with significant but smaller contracts, such as Zack Wheeler, Aaron Judge, and Jacob DeGrom, will be part of the All-Star Game.
The Stars who Make the Most Money and Won’t be at the All-Star Game
Juan Soto: The highest paid player
Soto, who signed a record 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, has had a solid season in 2025. Through July 8, Soto is batting .318, with 14 home runs, 48 RBIs, and leads the league with a .439 slugging percentage in 63 games. Despite these impressive numbers, Soto was not selected for the All-Star Game, which has surprised many due to his status as the highest paid player in baseball history. Competition in the National League outfield, with names like Ronald Acuna Jr., Mookie Betts and Christian Yelich, likely played a role in his exclusion.
Mike Trout: The Angels’ superstar
Mike Trout, with a 12-year, $426.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, remains one of the most recognizable names in baseball. However, injuries have limited his participation in 2025 to just 50 games, where he is batting .280 with 15 home runs and 40 RBIs. While his performance is solid, his reduced playing time likely played a role in his non-selection. Trout’s history in recent years has been marked by health issues, which has prevented him from consistently shining on the All-Star stage.
Gerrit Cole: Yankees injured pitcher
Gerrit Cole, on a 9-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees, was expected to be a dominant force in 2025. However, an injury that required Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the entire season. Prior to the injury, Cole posted a 2.84 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 58 innings over 10 starts. His absence from the All-Star Game is understandable due to his inability to play, but represents a significant loss for the Yankees and the event.
The omission of players like Soto, Trout, and Cole from the 2025 All-Star Game underscores that salary does not guarantee a spot in this event. Factors such as injuries, competition at key positions and relative performance in the current season are determining factors. Meanwhile, players like Wheeler, Judge and DeGrom demonstrate that talent and on-field production are the true criteria for shining on the All-Star stage. This contrast highlights the competitive nature of baseball and the importance of staying healthy and productive to be recognized in the All-Star Game.
The 2025 rosters include players such as Cal Raleigh, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Shohei Ohtani, who have had outstanding seasons. The inclusion of Clayton Kershaw as a “Legend” selection also reflects MLB’s desire to honor iconic figures, although this does not make up for the absence of other high-profile stars.
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