The MLB’s Biggest All-Star Snubs
This MLB season has been one of the most interesting in recent times. We’ve seen some serious numbers put up from hitters like Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, as well as some blazing-hot pitching from pitchers like Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, and Seth Lugo. There are plenty of more stars that could be named, and you could even say I didn’t name the most qualified candidates, but this year’s All-Star Game is absolutely stacked with talent. There are, however, a few players that one could easily make the case have been snubbed. As we approach the All-Star Game later today, let’s dive into a few of those, and also explain why they likely didn’t make it.
Luis Gil
Gil has put up solid numbers this year, as he got off to a scorching hot start. His ERA currently sits at 3.17, and batters are hitting a league-low .168 against him. He had a few bad starts mid-season, and this is definitely what caused him not to be an all-star. However, his last two starts before the all-star break pretty much made up for his bad starts, as he went six innings pitched with one earned run against the Baltimore Orioles on July 13th, and 6.2 innings with one earned run against the Boston Red Sox on the 7th. Overall, we should expect Gil to continue pitching well, and potentially make up for it with a Rookie of the Year award.
Francisco Lindor
Lindor started off the season not so great but has picked it up. He’s a big part of the New York Mets' recent hot streak, and has 17 home runs, along with 51 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. He’s on pace for a potential 30/30 season. Lindor could have been a replacement for an injured Dansby Swanson but wasn’t named one. Either way, he’s likely more focused on continuing his contributions to the Met’s hot streak, and getting them into the playoffs
Christian Walker
Walker has been a truly elite first baseman this season. Walker has 22 home runs and 66 RBIs, and he’s slugging .495. Over the past two weeks, he’s hitting .356 and has 15 RBIs. Many call him the best player not to make his league’s respective all-star team. The Arizona Diamondbacks have been slacking this year, which is likely why he didn’t make it. However, his elite hitting will be a huge factor in potentially turning their season around.
Two other honorable mentions are Brent Rooker and Masyn Winn. The truth is, one could go over the snubs all day, but there’s been a lot of great baseball played this year. Any player who feels they didn’t get the credit they deserve for their first-half performance has the second half to make a serious statement, and it should be interesting to watch.
