Dave Roberts Sparks Controversy By Defending Jacob Misiorowski’s All-Star Selection, Drawing Criticism From Players, Fans, and League Insiders Alike

Dave Roberts Sparks Controversy By Defending Jacob Misiorowski’s All-Star Selection, Drawing Criticism From Players, Fans, and League Insiders Alike

Dave Roberts has spent years walking the fine line between player loyalty and public scrutiny, but his recent defense of Milwaukee Brewers rookie flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski’s controversial All-Star Game selection has pushed him into the center of a storm he didn’t expect—and may not be able to escape quietly.

The Dodgers manager, known for his calm demeanor and steady leadership, made headlines not for a decision regarding his own team, but for publicly supporting the inclusion of Misiorowski in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game—a move that raised eyebrows across the league. Misiorowski, while undeniably talented, had posted only a handful of appearances at the Major League level before the selection, leaving fans, media, and several veteran players puzzled at best and furious at worst.

“I think Jacob deserves to be there,” Roberts said during a pregame media session in the days leading up to the Midsummer Classic. “I don’t care what the stat lines say—this kid has electric stuff. He’s box office, and the All-Star Game is about showcasing the future of the sport, not just rewarding past numbers.”

It didn’t take long for that statement to go viral. Social media exploded. Players from teams across both leagues reacted with subtle jabs and not-so-subtle tweets. Several veteran All-Star snubs—such as Zack Wheeler, Logan Webb, and even Dodgers own Tyler Glasnow—were mentioned repeatedly in contrast to Misiorowski’s selection. Critics accused Roberts of undermining the meritocratic nature of the All-Star Game, suggesting his comments endorsed hype over performance and marketing over merit.

More troubling, though, was the fallout within Roberts’ own clubhouse. Some Dodgers players, while careful not to go on the record with sharp critiques, reportedly expressed frustration that their manager had so passionately defended a player from another team—especially one whose call-up may have cost a more deserving veteran a spot in the game.

“You support your own guys, your own family,” one anonymous veteran reportedly told a local Los Angeles beat writer. “There are guys in this clubhouse grinding every day who didn’t get the call. That’s who you stand up for—not some kid who’s made a few flashy appearances.”

To be fair to Misiorowski, there’s no denying the raw excitement he brings. A 6-foot-7 right-hander with a triple-digit fastball and an intimidating presence on the mound, Misiorowski has the kind of potential that scouts and executives dream about. But critics argue that potential shouldn’t be the metric used to measure All-Star worthiness, especially when proven pitchers with superior statistics were left watching from home.

Roberts, for his part, doubled down when pressed further. “We can’t be so old-school that we ignore where the game is going,” he said. “We’ve got to showcase not just who’s dominating, but who fans are excited to see. If we want to grow the game, that means embracing new talent—even if it’s raw.”

It’s not a completely foreign argument. The All-Star Game has always straddled the line between recognition and entertainment. Home run derbies, fan votes, and mic’d-up moments are as much a part of the experience as ERA and batting average. Still, many feel that Roberts, a respected manager and influential voice in the sport, should have approached the subject with more nuance—especially considering the player in question doesn’t play for his team and, in many eyes, leapfrogged more deserving candidates.

The backlash reached a peak when Hall of Famer and current analyst Pedro Martinez blasted Roberts’ comments on national television.

“Look, I love Dave Roberts,” Martinez said. “He’s one of the classiest people in baseball. But what are we doing here? You’re telling me this kid deserves a spot over someone like Zack Wheeler? That’s just disrespectful to the game. This isn’t a hype contest—it’s the All-Star Game.”

Martinez wasn’t alone. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal also weighed in, saying Roberts “muddied the waters” by inserting himself into a debate that didn’t require his involvement. “It’s one thing for Craig Counsell or the Brewers’ staff to go to bat for Misiorowski,” Rosenthal wrote. “It’s another thing entirely for a rival manager to stick his neck out in a way that seems more performative than principled.”

Adding to the intrigue was the fact that Roberts had no clear connection to Misiorowski. The pitcher, a product of Milwaukee’s farm system, had no history with the Dodgers or Roberts beyond facing them once in relief earlier in the season. Theories swirled—was this a broader commentary on the league’s need to embrace youth? A veiled jab at how MLB promotes its stars? Or perhaps just Roberts speaking candidly without fully thinking through the consequences?

Whatever the motive, the damage was done. The Dodgers’ next home game featured a noticeably subdued crowd, with a few fans holding signs either in support or mockery of Roberts’ remarks. Reporters at the stadium noted a slight chill in the atmosphere around the team’s dugout, with players appearing less chatty than usual with their skipper.

It didn’t help matters that Misiorowski’s All-Star appearance, while brief, was underwhelming. He entered in the sixth inning, walked two batters, and gave up a double that plated the National League’s only run allowed in the frame. Social media lit up with criticism: “This is who Dave Roberts said deserves to be here?” one tweet read. “Showcasing the future by giving away the present,” another fan added.

When asked postgame if he regretted speaking so strongly in defense of Misiorowski, Roberts didn’t backtrack, but his tone was slightly more tempered.

“I stand by what I said,” he repeated. “But I also understand that people are passionate about the All-Star Game. I never meant to take away from anyone else’s accomplishments. This game belongs to the fans, to the players, and to the league. Sometimes, different people value different things when it comes to these honors.”

Still, the words did little to put out the fire. MLB officials were said to be “not thrilled” with how the discourse around the All-Star selection devolved into a battleground of optics vs. output, and Roberts’ role in escalating the drama didn’t go unnoticed.

It’s not the first time Roberts has been at the center of controversy, but rarely has it come from outside the Dodgers organization. He’s had to defend questionable bullpen moves, tough postseason lineups, and underperforming seasons—but this felt different. This wasn’t about in-game decisions. This was about values, and to many, it felt like Roberts picked the wrong hill to stand on.

With the second half of the season now underway, Roberts must work to refocus his club, regain trust in his own dugout, and avoid further distractions as the Dodgers push toward another postseason run. While the controversy may fade, the tension it revealed—between honoring veterans and promoting the future, between loyalty to team and love of the game—is one Roberts may continue to feel well beyond this summer.

In the end, whether Misiorowski becomes a perennial All-Star or just a flash in the pan, the controversy surrounding his selection has already etched a moment into Roberts’ managerial legacy. It’s a reminder that in today’s MLB, every word, every stance, and every defense carries weight—and not always the way you intend.