Detroit Tigers fans have reason to celebrate! Two of their star outfielders, Riley Greene and Javier Báez, have been selected to start for the American League (AL) in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. This exciting news marks a significant milestone for the team, as it’s the first time since 1976 that two Tigers outfielders will be starting in the Midsummer Classic. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike, highlighting the impressive performances of both players this season.
The selection of Greene and Báez reflects their outstanding contributions to the Tigers’ success in the 2025 season. Greene, building on his impressive 2024 performance, has emerged as a consistent offensive force, while Báez’s versatility and defensive prowess have been invaluable to the team. Their inclusion in the All-Star lineup is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and impact on the field.
This article will delve into the details of their selection, their performances leading up to this honor, and what this means for the Detroit Tigers as they continue their quest for a successful season. We’ll explore their stats, their impact on the team, and the significance of this All-Star selection for their careers.
Greene and Báez Earn All-Star Nods
On Wednesday, July 2nd, it was announced that Riley Greene and Javier Báez were elected to the AL’s starting roster for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. The game is set to take place on July 15th at Atlanta’s Truist Park. Greene and Báez finished No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, among AL outfielders in Phase 2 voting, securing their spots in the starting lineup. This is Greene’s second All-Star selection, following his appearance as a reserve in 2024. For Báez, this marks his third All-Star nod and his first with the Tigers, with his previous two appearances occurring in the National League.
Greene and Báez beat out other Phase 2 finalists, including Los Angeles’ Mike Trout and Cleveland’s Steven Kwan, by securing 33% and 26% of the vote respectively. Trout received 24% of the vote, while Kwan garnered 17%. New York’s Judge had already clinched an All-Star starting spot by receiving the most overall votes during Phase 1 of the All-Star vote.
“It’s an honor to be selected as an All-Star starter,” said Greene. “I’m excited to represent the Tigers and play alongside the best players in the league.” Báez echoed similar sentiments, expressing his gratitude to the fans and his excitement for the opportunity.
First Time Since 1976
The selection of Greene and Báez marks the first time since 1976 that the Tigers have had two outfielders starting for the AL in the All-Star Game. Back then, Ron LeFlore and Rusty Staub represented the team in the Midsummer Classic. The 1961 Tigers also had two starting outfielders for the AL, with Rocky Colavito and Al Kaline manning left and right, respectively, in the second All-Star Game that summer. Before that, in 1948, Pat Mullin and Hoot Evers represented the team in right and center field, respectively.
This historical significance adds an extra layer of excitement to their selection. It’s a moment that connects the current team with the rich history of the Detroit Tigers and provides a sense of pride for the fans.
Riley Greene’s Breakout Season
Riley Greene has been having a stellar season, building upon his impressive performance in 2024. Entering Wednesday’s play, Greene was slashing .296/.348/.539 in 348 plate appearances over 83 games. He leads all qualified Tigers batters in home runs (19), RBIs (63), batting average (.296), and OPS (.887).
Greene has proven to be a reliable and consistent offensive force for the Tigers. His ability to hit for both average and power has made him a valuable asset to the team’s lineup. According to FanGraphs, Greene entered Wednesday third among AL outfielders in fWAR (3.0), trailing only Judge and Minnesota’s Byron Buxton.
“Riley has been playing exceptionally well this season,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “He’s been a key contributor to our offense and has shown tremendous growth as a player.”
Javier Báez’s Renaissance
Javier Báez has been experiencing a renaissance season, showcasing his versatility and defensive skills at multiple positions. Primarily a shortstop over his first three seasons with the Tigers, Báez has played 33 games in center field this season, demonstrating his adaptability and willingness to contribute wherever the team needs him.
Báez’s defensive versatility has been particularly crucial, especially with early-season injuries to outfielders Parker Meadows, Matt Vierling, and Wenceel Pérez. Despite never having played center field in the majors before 2025, Báez has delivered above-average defensive value at the position, making highlight-reel catches and solidifying the team’s defense.
“Javier’s willingness to play different positions has been invaluable to our team,” said Hinch. “He’s a true professional and always puts the team first.”
Offensive Prowess
Báez has also been putting up his best offensive season with the Tigers, entering Wednesday slashing .285/.323/.460 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs in 254 plate appearances over 71 games. His 2.2 bWAR (according to Baseball Reference) is more than he accumulated in his previous three years combined for the Tigers.
Báez’s offensive resurgence has added depth and power to the Tigers’ lineup. His ability to drive in runs and hit for extra bases has made him a key contributor to the team’s offensive success.
Past All-Star Appearances
Báez was previously named an All-Star at second base in 2018 and at shortstop in 2019 with the Chicago Cubs. His 2018 season was statistically his best, as he led the league with 111 RBIs and finished with an .881 OPS, finishing second in the NL MVP vote to Christian Yelich. This selection is yet another testament to his consistent level of play and his ability to perform at the highest level.
A Bright Spot for the Tigers
The selection of Riley Greene and Javier Báez as All-Star starters is a bright spot for the Detroit Tigers and a testament to their hard work and dedication. Their performances have been instrumental to the team’s success this season, and their selection is a well-deserved recognition of their contributions.
As the Tigers continue their season, the presence of Greene and Báez in the All-Star Game will undoubtedly bring added attention to the team and inspire their teammates. Their success serves as a reminder of the talent and potential within the organization and provides a sense of optimism for the future.
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be a showcase of their skills and a celebration of their accomplishments, solidifying their place among the league’s elite players. Tigers fans can look forward to cheering them on as they represent Detroit on the national stage, marking a significant moment in their careers and for the team.
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