Phillies Slam MLB’s All-Star Pick of Brewers Rookie Jacob Misiorowski as ‘A Joke’

The MLB All-Star Game selection of Milwaukee Brewers rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, a fireballer with just five career starts, has ignited a firestorm in the Philadelphia Phillies' clubhouse. The decision to pick the 23-year-old phenom over seasoned players like Trea Turner, Ranger Suárez, and Cristopher Sánchez has players crying foul, arguing the game is becoming less about merit and more about marketing.

Trea Turner didn’t hold back, calling the selection "a joke" and "terrible," lamenting that the All-Star Game now prioritizes ticket sales and social media buzz over performance. "It’s not about the best players anymore," Turner said. "It’s who’s got the most followers."

Nick Castellanos echoed the sentiment, comparing the All-Star spectacle to the theatrical Savannah Bananas, a team known more for entertainment than elite competition. The Phillies, with only Kyle Schwarber representing them in Atlanta, feel their pitchers—Suárez with a sparkling 1.94 ERA over 83 2/3 innings and Sánchez with a 2.59 ERA and 116 strikeouts—were unjustly snubbed.

Misiorowski, however, has been a sensation since his June debut, boasting a 2.81 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings, with a fastball averaging 99.3 mph and regularly hitting triple digits. His electric performances, including 11 hitless innings to start his career, have drawn comparisons to legends like Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, who also captivated fans with his flair.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy defended the choice, saying, "People want to see Miz pitch. He’s the shiny new toy." Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who’ll lead the NL squad, added that Misiorowski’s inclusion brings "excitement" to the game. Both emphasized the selection wasn’t a slight against others but a nod to the rookie’s marketability and raw talent.

Still, the Phillies’ frustration highlights a deeper debate: Is the All-Star Game a showcase for the season’s best or a stage for baseball’s brightest new stars? With Misiorowski breaking records as the least-experienced All-Star ever, the answer seems to lean toward spectacle.