Key Takeaways
- Major League Baseball named Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski an NL All-Star reserve on Friday night.
- Misiorowski is replacing Matthew Boyd on the roster, and the decision caused serious controversy.
- The youngster got the ASG nod over Philadelphia Phillies stud Cristopher Sanchez, despite making just five career starts.
Jacob Misiorowski pitching (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game takes place next week in Atlanta, but there has been no shortage of controversy leading up to the event due to the selection of players. That controversy reached an all-time high on Friday evening when Milwaukee Brewers flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski was named an NL All-Star despite making just five appearances in the big leagues since his call-up. The rookie will replace Chicago Cubs veteran Matthew Boyd as a reserve.
Philadelphia Phillies fans were rightfully more upset than anybody, with Cristopher Sanchez once again being snubbed of a spot on the National League roster. Sanchez has gone 7-2 in 18 starts with a stellar 2.59 ERA, striking out 116 hitters in 107.2 innings of work.
Misiorowski has been electric since coming up to the show, showcasing his triple-digit fastball and impressive off-speed stuff. He owns a 2.81 ERA through five starts, with opponents hitting just .138. However, being an All-Star is supposed to be a privilege for players who serve their time and earn the right. Is Misiorowski All-Star worthy in terms of talent? Absolutely. But, he hasn’t been in the Majors long enough to earn this honor.
Last season, Paul Skenes was named the NL starting pitcher after throwing 66.1 innings and posting an ERA well below two. There were some eyebrows raised at that decision by Major League Baseball, but he flourished in the Mid-Summer Classic and has been absolutely dominant ever since.
The baseball world in general wasn’t pleased with Misiorowski making the ASG. Well-known analyst Chris Rose gave a strong take on the decision via social media:
“I want to start off by saying Jacob Misiorowski is awesome,”Rose said. “I think he’s going to be great. … With all that being said, what is he doing in the All-Star Game? Five stars into his MLB career? Fewest ever for a guy to make the All-Star Team. Hello, Christopher Sanchez is on the other line and would like to speak to the Commissioner’s Office.”
Sanchez’s agent previously voiced displeasure with his client not getting selected for the All-Star Game:
There is no question that this is a special moment for Misiorowski and his family. I mean, only a couple of months ago, he was playing in the Minors. I’m sure he’ll also thrive in Atlanta when he does take the mound, but Misiorowski shouldn’t be an All-Star this soon.
The MLB dropped the ball here.
