The Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game is scheduled to take place on Tuesday in Atlanta. However, MLB may be facing a growing issue regarding All-Star selections.

Each year, fans engage in spirited debates over which players were included in the All-Star Game and which deserving players were left off—a controversy commonly referred to as the “All-Star snub.” One of the most prominent snubs this year is Juan Soto, according to many fans.

Although Soto experienced a relatively slow start during April and May, he was dominant in June. It is worth noting that even during his “down” months, Soto’s offensive production remained above league average. When comparing Soto’s numbers to those of the two outfielders who were selected over him for the National League roster, the discrepancy becomes even more apparent.

Last night was the straw that broke the camel’s back for most baseball fan was the MLB naming Jacob Misiorowski — rookie pitcher for the Brewers — to the all-star game as a replacement for Matthew Boyd on the NL’s active roster. Keep in mind, Misiorowski has only made five starts in the big leagues.

While it was later revealed that both Ranger Suárez and Cristopher Sánchez had been invited to participate in the All-Star Game but declined, several members of the Philadelphia Phillies expressed frustration with the decision to include celebrity “The Miz” in the event.

“What a joke,” shortstop Trea Turner told The Athletic on Friday. “That’s fucking terrible. I mean, that’s terrible, dude.” He added, “I mean, it’s not the All-Star Game in the sense that the best players go there, or people who have had the best season. It’s whoever sells the most tickets or has been put on social media the most. That’s essentially what it’s turned into”.

Outfielder Nick Castellanos also voiced his disapproval, telling The Athletic, “It’s turning into the Savannah Bananas” (Mooney, 2025). While this comparison may seem extreme, Castellanos’ broader point reflects a growing sentiment among players that the All-Star Game has become more of a marketing showcase than a celebration of performance.

To restore competitive integrity and increase player participation—especially among pitchers — Major League Baseball could consider adjusting the All-Star break schedule. For example, ending the first half of the season on a Wednesday, giving teams Thursday and Friday off, then holding the All-Star Game on Saturday night and the Home Run Derby on Sunday night could better accommodate players’ recovery needs. This shift would place both events in primetime and give pitchers two full days of rest, potentially encouraging more star pitchers to take part.

(Top Image Credit: MLB.com)