5 Cubs players who could be first-time All-Stars in 2025

The Chicago Cubs are off to a hot start in 2025 with a 14-10 record and 5/8 series victories so far.

The early returns are very encouraging for the team's playoff hopes, especially when you consider the sheer talent the Cubs have competed against so far. Every team the Cubs have faced currently has a record above .500, except for the Athletics, who likely would have more wins than losses had the Cubs not swept them earlier this month.

Right Fielder Kyle Tucker has been a massive factor in the team's success, and his presence in the lineup seems to be lifting the rest of the group. But other key contributors have also emerged to supplement Tucker's impressive start. If these five players continue to dominate, they could look to make their first All-Star game appearance in 2025.

1. 1B Michael Busch

In the first month of the season, first baseman Michael Busch is emerging as a legitimate threat
in the Cubs' lineup. Although Tucker is clearly the biggest left-handed hitting threat on the team, Busch is not far behind him.

Busch is second to Tucker on the team in OPS (.994), home runs (5), extra-base hits (12), on-base percentage (.386), third in RBIs (16), and first on the team in batting average (.316). It's looking like a breakout season for the 27-year-old and it couldn't come at a better time.

With uncertainty at the third base position and shortstop Dansby Swanson struggling at the plate, Busch's emergence gives the team a left-handed slugger in the heart of the batting order who has helped the offense score more runs than anyone in the opening weeks of 2025.

Although Counsell has been consistently penciling Busch into the cleanup spot this year, he is still reluctant to start him against left-handed pitching and Busch only has eight plate appearances vs. southpaws this year. The next step in the first baseman's growth would be to face more lefties and hopefully hold his own and find at least moderate success against them. With Justin Turner slumping hard at the plate, now seems like a good time to test Busch against lefties. But if Busch keeps up this kind of production only against righties, there is still a good shot he makes his first All-Star game.

2. LHP Matthew Boyd

Matthew Boyd has been a nice surprise out of the starting rotation this year. After signing his $29 million contract in the offseason, the southpaw owns a 2.01 ERA through his first four starts, with 20 strikeouts through 22.1 innings pitched.

As a 34-year-old who has undergone two elbow surgeries in the last five years, Boyd is proving that he still has gas left in the tank and he has been able to limit damage against some of the tougher opponents the Cubs have faced so far. He was able to log quality starts against the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres, while recording solid five-inning outings against the Diamondbacks and another with San Diego.

Boyd's positive attitude has also been a nice addition to the Cubs' clubhouse, with teammates complimenting his outlook. Boyd's grandfather was also a Cubs fan, adding another layer of emotion to his brief time in Chicago.