Well, baseball fans, the countdown is on. For the first time in 25 years, the MLB All-Star Game is heading back to Atlanta. Truist Park will play host to the sport’s biggest stars on Tuesday, July 15. While that’s exciting enough on its own, there’s one question fans in Braves Country keep asking: Who from the home team is going to make it?
Earlier this season, the answer might’ve been a short list — as in, one guy and a whole lot of question marks. But with a recent turnaround both on the scoreboard and in individual performances, Atlanta’s roster might just be ready to show out for the hometown crowd.
Marcell Ozuna is the Surest Bet For the Braves
Let’s start with the obvious: Marcell Ozuna is doing everything right. He was the Braves’ lone position player All-Star a year ago, and he’s making a strong case to repeat in 2025 — only this time, as the guy carrying the offense.
Despite missing a series with the Blue Jays due to a minor injury, Ozuna’s stat line in 24 games is a dream: a .316 batting average, 1.030 OPS, five homers, and a league-leading .486 on-base percentage. Oh, and 26 walks — the most in the National League.
This isn’t just a hot start — this is sustained dominance. If the All-Star Game were today, Ozuna would be penciled in at DH without a second thought. His bat is hot, his plate discipline is elite, and he’s proven once again why he’s one of the most dangerous hitters in the league.
Austin Riley Turns It Around In a Big Way
Now let’s talk about Austin Riley, who had everyone wondering what happened during that cold 0-7 start. Back then, he was hitting .111 with one lonely RBI. But baseball is a game of streaks, and Riley is now riding a wave.
Over the last 20 games, Riley’s been red-hot — .341 average, five home runs, 17 RBIs, and a sizzling .942 OPS. He’s dragged his season stats up to a very respectable .286/.819. If he keeps up this pace, he’s tracking toward 27 homers and nearly 90 RBIs.
Not only does he have a shot to make the team, but he’s making a strong case to be a staple in the NL lineup for the third time.
Spencer Schwellenbach Enters the Conversation
Spencer Schwellenbach, a name few would’ve circled in April, is starting to build a narrative. No, his numbers aren’t eye-popping yet, and yes, he had a rough one against Toronto.
But take that game out — six earned over 4 2/3 innings — and suddenly, you’re looking at a guy with a 1.64 ERA in his other outings. It’s early, but if he keeps growing into the role, he could sneak his way into the All-Star talk, just like Chris Sale did last year (and a lot later in the season, too).
Sean Murphy is Bouncing Back in a Big Way
What about Sean Murphy? The slugging catcher has returned with a vengeance. Seven home runs in just 15 games, a 1.010 OPS — if that qualified, it’d be sixth in the entire league. His power is undeniable, and it’s backed up by strong contact hitting that no other NL catcher is matching right now.
Carson Kelly may have the early vote lead, but Murphy’s resume is turning heads. He may not start the Midsummer Classic, but you better believe he’s pushing for a roster spot.
With the game in Atlanta, the spotlight is on. If these Braves keep trending up, the hometown fans might get to cheer on more than just a token rep. They might be watching a squad of their own light up the Midsummer Classic.
