The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday, July 15 in Atlanta, and the American League and National League rosters are tentatively set. The rosters include familiar and new faces, from 11-time All-Star Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers to newcomers such as Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman.
However, no matter how large and inclusive the baseball star rosters are, they cannot please everyone. It is surprising that big-name players with outstanding numbers and impeccable track records have been left out of the All-Star Game. With this in mind, here are some players who have been left off each league’s summer roster, who also could be potential candidates for selection if injury replacement is needed.
Juan Soto, the big absence from the National League in the 2025 All-Star Game
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto made headlines when he signed the largest contract in MLB history, but that is not enough to secure his participation in the All-Star Game. The Dominican has had ups and downs during the 2025 season, which was decisive in not including him in the roster. The outfielders in his league are crowded, but Soto is sixth in the National League with 3.8 bWAR, seventh in OPS (.904), seventh in home runs (21), third in runs scored (65) and leads all of MLB in walks (72).
Kyle Stowers probably fired him because the Miami Marlins needed a representative, another proof that MLB needs to get rid of that absurd rule. On the other hand, the players could have chosen Soto instead of Corbin Carroll or Fernando Tatis Jr., and the fans could have voted for him more than for Ronald Acuña Jr., but neither did. Other notable absentees in the young circuit are: Cristopher Sanchez, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies and CJ Abrams, shortstop for the Washington Nationals.
Framber Valdez out of All-Star Game with American League
Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez is one of the characters who will be most missed in the midseason game. Many took for granted his third All-Star Game while he strives for a possible career season. He has a 10-4 record with a 2.90 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 115 innings, similar to his three consecutive top-10 Cy Young finishes from 2022 to 2024. However, MLB chose Kris Bubic of the Kansas City Royals (7-6, 2.36 ERA, 107 strikeouts in 103 innings) and Bryan Woo of the Mariners (8-4, 2.77 ERA, 104 strikeouts in 107 1/3 innings).
Another notable absentee is the Seattle Mariners shortstop JP Crawford, who at 30 years of age is playing at a high level. His batting average is .285/.386/.380; each of these first two numbers are the best of his career, while his wRC+ of 129 is almost on par with his wRC+ of 136 in 2023. The 2020 Gold Glove winner remains a competent fielder, ranking third among American League shortstops in total zone runs.
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