In a stunning upset, Athletics’ shortstop Jacob Wilson edged out Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. and will be the first fan-elected rookie ever to start an MLB All-Star Game, the league announced Wednesday.

Wilson edged Witt Jr. 52 percent to 48 percent.

While it is a surprise on paper, statistically it makes perfect sense for the young shortstop from Oakl…Sacramento to start.

Wilson leads AL shortstops in batting average (.339), hits (108) and strikeout percentage (7.6) over halfway through the 2025 MLB season and is second in OBP (.380), OPS (.853) and wRC+ (138). Wilson also is tied with the Houston Astros’ Jeremy Peña for the fifth most RBI among AL shortstops with 40.

As far as Witt goes, the young star is hitting .284 with 11 homers, 45 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. The runner-up for the American League MVP last season, Witt was also an All-Star, a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glover and a batting champion.

The Royals are struggling at 40-46, and are slowing falling down the stairs of the AL Wild Card race. But there’s a lot of baseball left to be played.