The emergence of new talent in Major League Baseball is always a thrilling aspect of the season, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year where several players could make their All-Star debut. Below is an analysis of five players—Mark Vientos, Connor Wong, Grayson Rodriguez, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Lawrence Butler—who have the potential to break through and earn their first-ever All-Star selections based on their skill sets, performance trends, and respective team contexts.

1. Mark Vientos (National League – 3B, New York Mets)

Mark Vientos is an intriguing power hitter for the Mets, and his offensive profile shows he’s already capable of producing at an all-star level. His 27 home runs and .516 slugging percentage in just 111 games are signs of his raw power, which gives him a significant advantage in a corner infield position like third base.

Last season, he batted .266, which, combined with his ability to hit for power at the major league level, makes him an interesting candidate for All-Star consideration. In 2024, he improved his pitch recognition and consistency in his second full season, especially with a solid .322 OBP.

Path to All-Star:

For Vientos to become an All-Star in 2025, he’ll need to improve his contact rate and raise his batting average closer to .270-.280 while maintaining his power. If he can increase his overall production and the Mets are competitive, particularly in a division like the NL East, Vientos’ potential as a power bat could secure him a spot in the All-Star Game.

2. Connor Wong (American League – C, Boston Red Sox)

Connor Wong had a strong offensive year in 2024, showing promise as both a catcher and a contributor in the Red Sox lineup. His 13 home runs and .425 slugging percentage were solid for a catcher, while his .333 OBP demonstrated his ability to get on base and contribute to the team’s offense. Wong’s batting average of .280 also gives him a decent foundation to be more of a complete hitter, which is vital for a catcher in the modern game.

His defense, which is often underrated, is also an asset, with Wong showing above average skills behind the plate. While his numbers don’t place him among the elite catchers yet, his offensive improvements and continued solid defense make him a candidate to break out in 2025.

Path to All-Star:

To make it to the All-Star Game, Wong must continue his offensive growth, particularly in terms of power. If he can push his home run total to 20-25 and maintain his strong on-base skills while improving his defense, he could be the standout catcher in the AL, especially if the Red Sox are competitive in the AL East.

3. Michael King (National League – SP, San Diego Padres)

4. Vinnie Pasquantino (American League – 1B, Kansas City Royals)

Vinnie Pasquantino had a breakout 2024 campaign, proving he can be a power-hitting force in the Royals’ lineup. His 19 home runs, 97 RBI in just 131 games,  and a .504 slugging percentage make him one of the most potent first basemen in the AL. He also posted a solid .355 OBP, highlighting his excellent plate discipline and ability to get on base. His ability to control the strike zone and generate power is a strong foundation for his potential All-Star candidacy.

Pasquantino’s 97 RBIs also suggest that he’s a run producer, which is always crucial in securing an All-Star selection. In a lineup like the Royals, where talent can be top-heavy, Pasquantino stands out as a reliable power source.

Path to All-Star:

To secure an All-Star spot, Pasquantino will need to maintain or improve his power numbers (25+ home runs) and on-base percentage while continuing to drive in runs. If the Royals can compete at a higher level in 2025, Pasquantino’s contributions will be hard to overlook, positioning him for his first All-Star selection.

5. Lawrence Butler (American League – OF, Oakland Athletics)

In only 125 games at 24, Lawrence Butler had a solid 2024 season with the Oakland Athletics, showing good power potential in his first full major league season. With 22 home runs and a .480 slugging percentage, Butler demonstrated that he has the ability to drive the ball out of the park. His .262 batting average and .317 OBP suggest that he’s still refining his overall approach at the plate. Still, he has the tools to be a well-rounded contributor, particularly with his athleticism and defensive potential in the outfield.

Butler’s ability to play all over the outfield and add speed to his game (as evidenced by his 10 stolen bases) gives him added value as a dynamic player who can impact the game in multiple ways.

Path to All-Star:

For Butler to make his first All-Star Game, he will need to increase his consistency at the plate and continue to show growth in both power and on-base skills. If he can boost his power numbers (potentially to 25+ homers) while maintaining his speed, he could become one of the more exciting players in the AL, especially if the Athletics can exceed expectations in 2025.

Conclusion:

Each of these players—Mark Vientos, Connor Wong, Michael King, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Lawrence Butler—has shown significant potential in 2024. Each player has a unique set of strengths and potential to make an impact in their respective leagues. Their growth in key areas like power, on-base skills, and overall contributions to their teams give them a legitimate shot at making their respective All-Star teams in 2025. To secure first-time All-Star selections, these players must maintain strong performance while their teams remain competitive within their respective leagues.If they can put together strong seasons in terms of both individual performance and team success, all five have a viable chance of being first-time All-Stars.