Every July, MLB touts the All-Star Game as a celebration of baseball's top-tier talent. However, more often than not, the final roster feels more like a participation trophy than the true honor roll of the league. For the Chicago Cubs, that reality hit hard on July 6th, when two of their best players, Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch, were snubbed from the 2025 NL All-Star team.
It’s not just about fan disappointment. This is a deeper issue about the league's insistence on honoring every team, even those buried at the bottom of the standings. That requirement cost two deserving Cubs their moment.
Seiya Suzuki’s Bounce-Back Year
Suzuki’s omission is especially hard to justify. He’s slashing .261/.318/.551 with 24 home runs and a league-leading 75 RBIs. After a 2024 season hampered by injuries, Suzuki has returned as one of the most complete hitters in the National League.
His plate discipline ranks among the best, his ability to barrel the ball has improved significantly, and since making the switch to designated hitter full-time, he’s been locked in. Suzuki is not padding stats in meaningless games; he’s doing this for a team that’s in the thick of the NL Central race.
Michael Busch is Doing It All
Then there’s Michael Busch, arguably the Cubs' breakout player of 2025. The 26-year-old first baseman has launched 18 home runs, posted a .293 batting average, and slugged .560 with a 167 OPS+. He’s been a steady, reliable force in the middle of the lineup and has helped keep the offense afloat during stretches where other bats have gone quiet.
Busch has stepped up in clutch moments, providing timely power and stability in big series, and his defensive play has been quietly strong. He’s done everything you want from a young core bat, but somehow, that wasn't enough for All-Star recognition.
Outdated Rules Keep Real Stars Out
So why were they left off the team? Blame MLB’s “every team gets a rep” rule. The concept might sound fair in theory, but in practice, it forces deserving players to the sidelines. Every team must have at least one All-Star, even if that team is struggling and doesn’t have a player performing at that level.
That mandatory representation ends up taking roster spots from players who have outperformed the field. It leads to good, not great, players getting the nod simply because someone has to go. Meanwhile, actual difference-makers on contending teams get left out, and that's just not fair.
These are the roster spots that should belong to players like Suzuki and Busch. Instead, MLB continues to prioritize balance over merit, handing out All-Star jerseys like participation awards. That kind of approach doesn’t just water down the event; it hurts the credibility of the game’s biggest stage. In an era where they are trying to grow the game, this drives true fans away in droves.
Winning Teams Should Be Rewarded
The most frustrating part is that these aren’t empty numbers. Suzuki and Busch have both been instrumental in helping the Cubs stay at the top in their division. They’ve performed against top competition, in high-leverage situations, and they’ve carried their weight when it has mattered most.
The All-Star Game should reward impact. It should highlight the players who have shaped the first half of the season. When stars on winning teams get passed over for solid players on last-place clubs, the league sends the wrong message.
Still Time to Make It Right
There is always the chance that an injury replacement opens the door for Suzuki or Busch in the coming days. Still, they shouldn’t be backup plan players. Their performances speak for themselves. They should have been chosen plain and simple.
For now, both will stay locked in. Suzuki will keep barreling baseballs, and Busch will keep mashing as the Cubs push deeper into the NL Central race. Maybe they won’t get to wear the All-Star patch this month, but if October rolls around and the Cubs are still dancing, no one will forget who got them there.
