The All-Star Game is a spectacle, but the discourse surrounding it is even more entertaining, especially when discussing the snubs. This year, The Athletic highlights the 10 biggest snubs, five from each league, and delves into the players' odds of making the Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia. Let's explore these snubs and the commentary that surrounds them.
National League Snubs
Brice Turang, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers
Turang, a 2024 NL Platinum Glove Award winner, is leading all second basemen in wRC+ and is third in fWAR. His strong defense and power make him a standout, but the NL's depth at the position and the fan and player ballot winners (Ozzie Albies and Luis Arraez) leave Turang on the outside looking in. The NL's lack of middle infield reserves further complicates his chances.
JJ Wetherholt, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals
Wetherholt, the front-runner for NL Rookie of the Year, has been a key player for the Cardinals. His exceptional defense and strong bat have helped the team compete for a wild-card spot. However, the healthy senior circuit and the fan and player ballot winners (Arraez and Albies) make it challenging for Wetherholt to secure a spot.
Luke Weaver, RP, New York Mets
Weaver, a top reliever, has been dominant in his first season in Queens. His 2.00 ERA and 39 Ks in 36 IP showcase his talent. Yet, the limited number of relievers on the initial roster and the preference for closers leave Weaver on the sidelines.
Braxton Ashcraft, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Ashcraft, a sophomore, has outperformed the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, Paul Skenes. His 9-3 record and 2.9 fWAR make him a strong contender. However, the player-selected pick and the team's overall performance may keep him from the All-Star team.
Michael Harris II, OF, Atlanta Braves
Harris, the 2022 NL Rookie of the Year, has been a standout for the Braves. His .301 batting average and 16 home runs make him a strong candidate. However, the loaded and healthy outfield in the NL makes it challenging for Harris to secure a spot.
American League Snubs
Willson Contreras, 1B, Boston Red Sox
Contreras, a 34-year-old power hitter, is having his best season yet. His 150 wRC+ and 2.9 fWAR rank him among the top hitters in the AL. However, the lack of quality outfielders and the rules allowing for position swaps make his path to the All-Star team murky.
Sonny Gray, SP, Boston Red Sox
Gray, a veteran right-hander, has a strong season with a 2.61 ERA and 82 Ks. His 10 wins lead the AL, but his exclusion from the initial roster may be due to the preference for closers and the potential for scheduling conflicts.
Colson Montgomery, SS, Chicago White Sox
Montgomery, a primary shortstop, has an impressive home run total and a high slugging percentage. His 22 homers lead all primary shortstops, but the AL's focus on adding more outfielders and the Home Run Derby make it challenging for him to secure a spot.
Davis Martin, SP, Chicago White Sox
Martin, a staff ace, has been one of the best starters in the AL. His 9-3 record and 2.7 fWAR make him a strong contender. However, the team's overall performance and the preference for certain players may keep him from the All-Star team.
Nick Martinez, SP, Tampa Bay Rays
Martinez, a 35-year-old pitcher, has been steady for the Rays. His 7-2 record and 2.61 ERA make him a strong candidate. The need for pitching and his model teammate status make him a strong bet for a replacement spot.
These snubs and the commentary surrounding them highlight the subjective nature of All-Star selections and the importance of personal perspectives and interpretations in sports.
