At least that’s how Cubs manager Craig Counsell sees it. The 34-year-old left-handed Cubs pitcher was named to the National League All-Star team on Sunday and joins outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, who were announced as starters on Wednesday.

Gore, a 26-year-old starter, and Wood, a 6-foot-7 outfielder, have been bright spots this season amid the Nationals’ dreary rebuild.

Clayton Kershaw is going to represent the Los Angeles Dodgers among the pitchers on the National League team for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Kershaw is in his 18th MLB season, but didn’t debut until May 17 due to having knee and foot surgeries during the offseason.