The announcement of All-Star Game rosters in Major League Baseball (MLB) often ignites lively debates among fans and analysts alike, particularly when talented players are overlooked for selection. This controversy is heightened when the player in question is pursuing their first All-Star berth. The 2024 All-Star Game featured an impressive 39 first-time selections, including notable names such as Alec Bohm (Philadelphia Phillies), Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles), Steven Kwan (Cleveland Guardians), Jurickson Profar (San Diego Padres), and Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates) in the American League and National League starting lineups. As discussions for the upcoming season begin, attention turns to potential candidates who might join this group of first-time All-Stars in 2025.

Several players have been identified as having strong prospects for their initial All-Star appearances next year, based on their recent performances and potential. To begin, an honorable mention list includes 15 notable players who, while not making the final selection, possess the capability to achieve All-Star status in 2025. This group features hitters such as Triston Casas (Boston Red Sox), Tommy Edman (Los Angeles Dodgers), Michael Harris II (Atlanta Braves), Parker Meadows (Detroit Tigers), Vinnie Pasquantino (Kansas City Royals), Ezequiel Tovar (Colorado Rockies), Masyn Winn (St. Louis Cardinals), and James Wood (Washington Nationals). Additionally, promising pitchers such as Hunter Brown (Houston Astros), Tyler Holton (Detroit Tigers), Michael King (San Diego Padres), Sean Manaea (New York Mets), Bryce Miller (Seattle Mariners), Spencer Schwellenbach (Atlanta Braves), and Bryan Woo (Seattle Mariners) are also highlighted for their potential to make the roster in 2025.

Willy Adames, recently signed by the San Francisco Giants to a seven-year, $182 million contract, brings significant star power to a franchise in need since Buster Posey's retirement. Adames, who posted four straight seasons with a 3-WAR average, had a standout performance in 2024, achieving career highs in hits (153), doubles (33), home runs (32), runs batted in (112), and stolen bases (21). His persistent excellence suggests he may finally be recognized with an All-Star selection. Tanner Bibee emerged as a cornerstone of the injury-hit Cleveland Guardians' rotation in 2024, leading the team with 31 starts and 173.2 innings pitched while tallying 187 strikeouts. The 25-year-old will be pivotal for the Guardians as they aim for a playoff spot in 2025. Lawrence Butler, who rebounded from an early-season demotion to hit .302 with 20 home runs following his return, also stands out as a potential All-Star candidate, aiming to lead the Athletics in their ongoing rebuild. Despite a back injury limiting Kerry Carpenter to 87 games in 2024, he still managed to hit 18 home runs, establishing himself as a key offensive contributor for the Detroit Tigers with the potential for an All-Star campaign.

Dylan Cease has consistently delivered impressive strikeout numbers over the past four seasons, leading MLB with 891 during that period. Having transitioned from the Chicago White Sox to the San Diego Padres, Cease continues to improve his performance, logging a career-best walk rate. His upcoming contract year may mark a defining moment for him if he can replicate his successful form. Jackson Chourio, the youngest player in MLB during the 2024 season, displayed his future star potential with a strong finish, showcasing a .303 batting average and impressive power numbers. Yainer Diaz solidified his role as the primary catcher for the Houston Astros, ranking among the league leaders in hits and batting average, further enhancing his case for an All-Star selection. Lucas Erceg, having transitioned successfully from third baseman to pitcher, emerged as a late-inning option for the Athletics and with proven closing abilities following his acquisition by the Kansas City Royals, is also a candidate to watch.

Raisel Iglesias achieved record-breaking career saves in 2024 without ever being selected to an All-Star game, raising questions about his long-overlooked status within MLB. Furthermore, Wyatt Langford, a notable rookie for the Texas Rangers, shone in a challenging rookie campaign. His five-tool capabilities signal a bright future. As competition grows amongst elite shortstops in the American League, Zach Neto, who ranked fifth among shortstops with a 5.1 WAR, positions himself as a formidable contender for recognition within the next few seasons. Cal Raleigh's historic performance as a catcher, combined with his impressive defensive contributions, underscores his status as a possible snub from last season's All-Star game. Lastly, Grayson Rodriguez made waves in 2024, showcasing the tools of a top pitcher, while Mark Vientos proved to be pivotal for the New York Mets during their postseason efforts, solidifying his role as a future mainstay in the lineup. As the 2025 MLB All-Star discussions commence, these players and many others will be central to conversations and analyses in the lead-up to the season.