May 7, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (7) reacts withdesignated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) after hitting a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the third inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nathan Ray Seebeck
Before Citizens Bank Park finally hosts its first All-Star Game next July, representatives of the Phillies will have to go into much more hostile territory during this year's Midsummer Classic at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15.
A year ago, a franchise-record eight Phillies — Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez, Alec Bohm, Trea Turner, Cristopher Sánchez, Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm — were selected to the All-Star Game.
The Phillies aren't going to match that number this year, but with Phase 1 of All-Star Game voting now open, here's a look at those who have a serious shot to wear the red pinstripes on the national stage next month.
Schwarber is turning in perhaps the finest season of his career in a contract year. He's currently in the top five among NL hitters in home runs (19), on-base percentage (.389), slugging percentage (.565), walks (43) and OPS (.954).
Unfortunately for Schwarber, Shohei Ohtani will almost certainly be the starting DH for the senior circuit. Nonetheless, Schwarber will likely appear in the All-Star Game for the third time in his career, and second as a Phillie.
For as dominant as Wheeler has been since joining the Phillies in 2020, it's kind of crazy that he only has been selected to the All-Star Game on two occasions (2021 and 2024).
But there's a good chance he'll be an All-Star for the third time this summer, as he's in the top five among NL pitchers in innings pitched (76), K/9 (11.13), WHIP (0.92) and WAR (2.0), according to FanGraphs.
As a native of Smyrna, Georgia, getting to pitch in the All-Star Game in Atlanta would likely be pretty special for Wheeler.
Luzardo appeared to be a lock for the NL All-Star team before having to wear one for the Phillies last Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers, a start where he was left in to give up 12 earned runs over 3 1/3 innings.
However, Luzardo had been so dominant up to that point that he may still end up being one of the most deserving pitchers in the NL. He's going to have to lower his 3.58 ERA, but even after last weekend's outlier, Luzardo's 2.1 WAR is fourth among all NL starters. His 2.68 FIP is fifth. Ditto for his 10.36 K/9.
At the very least, Luzardo is still a serious candidate.
Harper leads all Phillies, by a wide margin, with eight career All-Star Game selections. But he probably faces an uphill battle in terms of making that nine this year.
With nine home runs and an .828 OPS, Harper is having a very nice season. But others at his position have definitely had better first halves. Both Freddie Freeman (.365 batting average, 1.050 OPS) and Pete Alonso (53 RBIs, .949 OPS) seem like locks. Matt Olson has probably also been better than Harper, and the game is at his home park.
Harper will almost certainly be an All-Star next year at Citizens Bank Park. He may get the break off this time around.
Turner started at shortstop in the All-Star Game a year ago, and he's definitely in the mix to be selected again this year.
Currently, Turner is hitting .300 with an NL-best 73 hits. Even with his defensive shortcomings, he's third among all senior-circuit shortstops with a 2.0 WAR, per FanGraphs.
The three-time All-Star might need a big month of June, though, to put him into the game. Francisco Lindor, rightfully so, will probably be the starting shortstop. Geraldo Perdomo is also having a career year for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and currently edges out Turner with a 2.3 WAR.
It doesn't feel like Sánchez has been quite as sharp as last season, when he was an All-Star for the first time. But he's still pitched well enough to warrant discussion.
Sánchez has a 3.15 ERA and 3.58 FIP in 12 starts this season. He would likely need to get hot in June and have a few guys drop out, but it's certainly not out of the question.
