Bobby Witt Jr. snubbed for All-Star starter nod

Jacob Wilson gets the AL start at shortstop.

Maybe Bobby Witt Jr. shouldn’t have set expectation so high last year?

In 2024, Witt put together one of the best non-MVP seasons in recent history. This year he is merely “very good”, and yet that wasn’t enough to gain the support of All-Star voters at shortstop, who went with Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson.

Wilson is having a very good season - impressive for a kid that was in college just over two years ago. But Bobby still outshines him in many offensive categories, and is a much superior baserunner and defender.

Wilson and Witt had been in a voting run-off, with Wilson taking 52 percent of the vote, one of the closest runoff votes for All-Star starters. Bobby could still be, and will likely be, selected as an All-Star reserve.

Other starters were announced Wednesday night for the All-Star Game that will be played at Truist Park on July 15 in Atlanta. Reserves and pitchers will be announced this Sunday at 4 p.m. CT on ESPN.

American League

Catcher - Cal Raleigh, Mariners

First Base - Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays

Second Base - Gleyber Torres, Tigers

Shortstop - Jacob Wilson, Athletics

Third Base - José Ramírez, Guardians

Oufielder - Aaron Judge, Yankees

Outfielder - Riley Greene, Tigers

Outfielder - Javier Báez, Tigers

Designated Hitter - Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles

National League

Catcher - Will Smith, Dodgers

First Base - Freddie Freeman, Dodgers

Second Base - Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks

Shortstop - Francisco Lindor, Mets

Third Base - Manny Machado, Padres

Outfielder - Ronald Acuña, Jr., Braves

Outfielder - Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs

Outfielder - Kyle Tucker, Cubs

Designated Hitter - Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers