MLB officials made sure that Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes, with his 102-mph fastball, will be playing in the 2024 All-Star Game in Texas despite players and coaches not initially selecting him. Skenes, who replaces Zack Wheeler due to pitch scheduling, is the first rookie in MLB history to make the All-Star team after being the No. 1 amateur draft pick. Veterans dominated the initial voting, but MLB officials also chose players like Pete Alonso and Ryan Helsley. Nearly one-third of the Phillies roster will be at the game, while each first-place team except the Mariners is represented. The NL team features 24 internationally-born players, with no Black players on the NL team. Four rookies, including Jackson Merrill of the Padres, will also be there. Late additions and replacements are expected, increasing the total All-Stars from 67 to around 80 by game time.