MLB All-Star snubs: More Phillies, Braves and Rays? Absolutely.
MLB All-Star Snubs: More Phillies, Braves and Rays? Absolutely
MLB All Star snubs - Players shouldn’t rush to plan their vacations to Cancun just yet. While the 2026 MLB All-Star Game will take place in Philadelphia on July 14, the selection process for the American and National League rosters left many qualified athletes on the sidelines. The limited number of spots and occasional voting mishaps have created a situation where some of the league’s most deserving players are excluded, despite their impressive performances. Some will be named as injury replacements or starting-pitcher substitutes, but for now, they remain part of the snubbed group. Here are eight players who could have been included in the festivities.
American League Snubs
The Rays’ dominance this season has made their absence from the All-Star lineup a topic of discussion. With a 52-34 record, the team is four games ahead of the Yankees, the next-best AL squad. Despite their success, the Rays’ core trio—Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz, and Aranda—has been overlooked. Aranda, in particular, stands out with a .390 on-base percentage and a remarkable 134 adjusted OPS, ranking sixth in the league. His exclusion seems especially odd given the Rays’ overall strength and the AL’s competitive nature.
The selection process for the AL rosters was already underway when the player votes were finalized. By the time the results were announced on July 4, the voting had closed, and the final list was set. This left some stellar performers without a chance to showcase their talents. One such case is that of Gilbert, who nearly pitched a perfect game against the Blue Jays. He allowed only one baserunner in seven innings, bringing his ERA down to 3.19. Yet, his efforts were too late to make an impact on the final selection.
National League Snubs
On the NL side, the selection of players has also sparked debate. The Braves, despite their recent struggles, have five representatives on the roster, which is a strong showing. However, the team’s standout player, Harris, narrowly missed out in fan voting. He homered, collected three hits, and maintained a .301 batting average and .841 OPS in a recent game against the Mets. His performance was solid, yet he was outvoted by Andy Pages of the Dodgers, who has been equally impressive in center field.
Another player who caught the eye of analysts is Turang. He leads the pack of aggrieved second basemen, joining forces with the Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt and the Pirates’ Brandon Lowe. Wetherholt, a rookie, has a 3.8 WAR and shares the MLB lead in outs above average with 17. Turang, meanwhile, has a .361 on-base percentage and a .813 OPS. Both are strong candidates, yet their inclusion remains uncertain. This group’s cases are compelling, especially when compared to fan electee Ozzie Albies, who is expected to represent the position well.
Philadelphia's Case
While the Phillies have a strong case for representation, they’ve been left out of the All-Star game. The team’s decision to snub some players might be a strategic move, given their overall performance. However, it’s hard to ignore the talent that could have been showcased. One such player is Wheeler, who has been a standout since returning from thoracic outlet syndrome and surgery in April. His 3.8 WAR in 13 starts, a 0.94 WHIP, and a record of two or fewer runs in 10 of 13 starts highlight his value. Yet, his omission has raised questions about the voting process.
“I’ll retire after 2027,” Wheeler said, emphasizing his readiness for the second half of the season. “A fourth All-Star nod would have been a fitting addition to my career.”
Wheeler’s absence could be seen as a slight, but it’s not entirely unexpected. His decision to focus on the second half might have influenced his selection. The Phillies, with their strong roster, are likely to have several players named as replacements. The timing of the All-Star game in Philadelphia adds a layer of significance, as it allows for a home-field advantage.
Additional Candidates
Gray, at 36, has been a masterclass in consistency. His 2.69 ERA is impressive, but it’s partially offset by a 3.58 fielding independent pitching. This discrepancy is due to his ability to strike out batters at a rate of less than one per inning, which contributes to his low ERA. Despite this, Gray has been even more dominant since recovering from a hamstring strain, throwing at least seven innings in his last three starts. His precision has been a key factor in the Rays’ success.
Contreras has been a revelation for the Red Sox, hitting 19 home runs and posting a .914 OPS. His contributions have been vital to the team’s performance, especially with first base picks like Nick Kurtz and Ben Rice. However, the Red Sox’s disappointing season might limit their All-Star selections. Willson, on the other hand, is a worthy candidate to join his brother William as an All-Star. His performance has been solid, and his inclusion would add depth to the roster.
These snubs highlight the challenges of the All-Star selection process. While some players are left out due to limited spots, others might have been overlooked due to voting dynamics. The league’s decision to hold the game in Philadelphia has added a personal touch, but it doesn’t change the fact that some players have been left in the shadows. As the July 14 game approaches, the conversation around these snubs will likely continue, with fans and analysts eager to see who gets a chance to shine.