These KC Royals — including a surprise name — were selected for MLB All-Star Game
The Kansas City Royals will be well represented at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and left-handed starting pitcher Kris Bubic on Sunday received American League All-Star reserve nominations. They will head to Atlanta to appear in the 95th midsummer classic at Truist Park on July 15.
Witt was selected for the second time in his career. He was a home-state star during last year’s All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The native of the Lone Star State finished second in the 2024 T-Mobile Home Run Derby and drew praise from multiple fellow All-Stars.
“It’s very special just getting honored and being recognized,” Witt told reporters in Phoenix. “I dreamed about it when I was little. I always wanted to be an All-Star and making these things a reality is always a blessing. Just a lot more work to do, but it’s special.”
This season, Witt is batting .294 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs. He leads the majors with 30 doubles and owns a 4.1 WAR in 91 games.
The Royals have leaned on Witt to carry their offense this season. In June, he posted a .829 OPS (on-base plus slugging) and was exceptional in the field. Witt has a .985 fielding percentage so far this year after winning his first Gold Glove last season.
And he’s produced several highlights already this year. He made a sensational slide against the Mariners late this past week to propel the Royals to a victory in Seattle. He also surpassed Royals Hall of Famer Hal McRae for the longest road hitting streak in franchise history.
“The ultimate goal is to be consistent as possible and keep preparing the way I prepare every day,” Witt said.
Witt wasn’t selected as an All-Star starter. He fell just short behind Athletics rookie phenom Jacob Wilson in the fan voting.
Bubic is set to make his All-Star game debut. This season, he emerged as the Royals’ ace — something few would’ve expected entering the year — with a renewed approach on the mound. Bubic owns a 2.36 ERA in 17 starts and recorded a quality start against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Royals’ final series of their road trip.
“It’s pretty cool, but I think it speaks to the environment we created here, especially for me, the last few seasons,” Bubic told reporters after the Royals win in Phoenix on Sunday. “... It’s such a joy to come in and put in the work every day and it’s really cool to see it kind of pay off in a way like this.”
The Royals reinserted Bubic into the starting rotation this offseason. This is his first full season after returning from Tommy John surgery in 2024. He pitched out of the bullpen before earning a rotation spot during spring training.
The relief appearances helped Bubic become more aggressive on the mound. He is now attacking hitters with his fastball and throwing off-speed pitches in favorable counts. As a result, he was named AL Pitcher of the Month in May.
“It’s pretty cool to hear that from the manager and kind of have everyone in the room that you go to war with every day,” Bubic said. “Everyone in here is family and we spend so much time together throughout the year. Just to embrace them and kind of hear the congrats ... I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me.”
Bubic follows Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo as All-Star reserves. Ragans and Lugo were 2024 All-Stars alongside Witt and catcher Salvador Perez.
“It’s going to be so special being able to share it with him,” Witt said.
The Royals also had a few notable All-Star snubs. Among them, KC closer Carlos Estévez and third baseman Maikel Garcia were not selected as AL All-Star reserves.
Estévez has 24 saves alongside a 2.19 ERA in 36 relief outings this season. The Royals gave Estévez a two-year contract just ahead of spring training. He has rewarded the club with solid production and leadership in the bullpen. Several Royals have praised his ability to help young relievers adapt to the big leagues.
Garcia currently has a .303 batting average with eight home runs, 39 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. He has arguably been the Royals’ best hitter this season.
Garcia improved his batting stance by adding a toe-tap this offseason. It allowed him to stay balanced through the strike zone and hit the baseball to all fields.
There is a chance both Estévez and Garcia could become American League injury replacements for the All-Star Game. For now, they are among the club’s biggest snubs.
This story was originally published July 6, 2025 at 4:34 PM.
