With the final MLB All-Star Game rosters finally being released, there are quite a few names that have been left off of this list. Some of this may be attributed to the fact that every team must have an all-star, making it difficult to fit everyone in. But, a lot of these players could have easily been put into the all-star game. In today’s article, we’ll be reviewing the largest snubs, and who they could have replaced. For this article, we will also assume that every team does not have to have an all-star. We will also only be examining the reserves for this article, since the starters have already been decided for awhile.

Snub #1: Fernando Tatis Jr.

When it comes to Fernando Tatis Jr. and his 2023 campaign, there isn’t much else to say besides the fact that he’s been incredible this season. After being injured last season, and missing the remainder of the season due to a PED suspension, Tatis is back and better than ever. With a struggling Padres team surrounding him, Tatis has been one of the only bright spots this team has to offer. Since returning to the diamond, Tatis has hit 15 homers, 8.2% BB%, 19.1% K%, .377 xwOBA, 133 wRC+, and an fWAR of 3. Along with his amazing offensive play, Tatis has become one of the game’s best defenders. This season, Tatis has had 6 OAA, and really just been a tremendous fielder overall. Tatis also boasts a 9% barrel percentage, which is better than a lot of the league. When it comes to players who were selected over him, you see the likes of Nick Castellanos, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Juan Soto. Now, all of these players certainly have cases to be all-stars, but Tatis is statistically better than both Nick Castellanos, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. With Castellanos being the Phillies representative in the all-star game, he would likely still make the cut. But, because of the fact that Corbin Carroll, and Zac Gallen are both all-stars, Gurriel would not have been a necessary addition to this roster.

Snub #2: Wander Franco

Wander Franco, similarly to Tatis, has been absolutely off the charts this season with the Tampa Bay Rays. Not only has Wander been arguably their best player, but he’s been arguably the best shortstop in all of baseball. Franco has been spectacular in every aspect of his game, as his bat and glove have both been incredible. Even with the Rays being one of baseball’s best teams, Franco manages to stand out daily. So far this season, Franco has hit 9 homers, 41 RBI, 8.3% BB%, 12.6% K%, .349 xwOBA, 128 wRC+, and a 3.7 fWAR. As you can see, Franco’s bat has been nothing shy of spectacular, so there is really no excuse as to why he didn’t make this roster. Similarly to Tatis though, Franco is quite literally the best defender in baseball this season. With a league leading 12 OAA to his name, you can certainly see how good he’s been on both sides of the baseball. As for the infielders who made the roster over Franco, Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Witt Merrifield, and José Ramírez were all selected over Franco. While players like Ramírez, Bichette, and Guerrero should have made it, there’s no excuse as to why Merrifield was added over the Rays shortstop. For reference, Franco boasts his 128 wRC+, and 3.7 fWAR, while Merrifield has just a 101 wRC+, along with an fWAR of just 1.3. There is no argument as to why Merrifield was added over Franco.

Snub #3: David Bednar

David Bednar, an elite closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates, was looking to make the all-star team for the second season in a row. But, this hope would be ultimately put to rest once the decision came into MLB’s hands. This season, Bednar has been absolutely lights out for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he should certainly be being noticed by people around the league. So far, Bednar has recorded 16 saves in his 31 games pitched, along with a 10.63 K/9, 1.15 BB/9, 1.14 ERA, 1.5 fWAR, 30.3% K%, 3.3% BB%, and just a 4.9% barrel percentage. Bednar has not only been spectacular when it comes to this season, but he has dramatically improved since 2022. Bednar has already matched his 1.5 fWAR in his all-star 2022 season in just half the time. When it comes to relivers selected instead of Bednar, you see Alexis Díaz, Camilo Doval, Josh Hader, and Devin Williams. To just point out one player, Bednar has been better than Alexis Díaz in a lot of areas. For example, Díaz has a 13% BB%, opposed to Bednar’s 3.3% BB%. Bednar has had a lot fewer saves due to less opportunities, but that is not a reason to keep him out of the all-star game. Bednar should have been added to the National League bullpen without a doubt.

Snub #4: J.D. Davis

Davis, a third baseman for the San Francisco Giants, has broken out beyond belief this season. Although nobody expected it, his breakout has been in full effect. So far this year, Davis has hit 10 homers, 45 RBI, 10% BB%, .361 xwOBA, 125 wRC+, 2.0 fWAR, 10.3% barrel percentage, and almost a 49% hard hit percentage. As you can see, Davis has been absolutely spectacular this season for the San Francisco Giants. It’s certainly a shock that he won’t be heading to the all-star game in any form, especially considering he was a finalist to be the starting third baseman. The infielders who were added instead of Davis consist of starting third baseman Nolan Arenado, Ozzie Albies, Pete Alonso, Matt Olson, Dansby Swanson, and Austin Riley. Now, a lot of these players such as Matt Olson are very deserving, but when you take a look at players such as Pete Alonso, and Ozzie Albies, you really have to wonder why Davis wasn’t added to the roster. Davis has a higher wRC+ than Ozzie Albies by 12 points, and a higher fWAR than Pete Alonso by almost a full win. All things considered, there’s no way that J.D. Davis should’ve missed the cut to make the all-star game.

Snub #5: Joe Ryan

Similarly to a lot of other players on this list, Joe Ryan is in the midst of his breakout season with the Minnesota Twins. With how well Ryan has pitched this season, it was really a surprise to see him left off of the roster. So far this season, Ryan has pitched to 105 strikeouts in just 96.2 innings, 9.78 K/9, 1.40 BB/9, 2.73 xERA, 2.2 fWAR, 27.3% K%, 3.9% BB%, 83 ERA-, and a 5.7% barrel percentage. As you may see, Joe Ryan has been virtually untouchable this season, which is great to see from the young star. But, when looking at the pitchers who made the all-star team instead of Ryan, I’m left wondering how this could’ve happened. Starting pitchers who made the team instead of Ryan included, Gerrit Cole, Michael Lorenzen, Luis Castillo, Nathan Eovaldi, Kevin Gausman, Sonny Gray, Shane McClanahan, Shohei Ohtani, and Framber Valdez. While a lot of these players are certainly deserving, players like Michael Lorenzen being picked over Joe Ryan is really shocking. Lorenzen has been in the middle of the road at best, pitching to an ERA- of 103, opposed to Ryan’s 83. All things considered, there’s no way Ryan should have been left off of the American League all-star roster. Check out my full write-up on Ryan below.

Snub #6: Geraldo Perdomo

Perdomo, similarly to J.D. Davis, is another National League infielder who was unfairly left off of the all-star roster. Perdomo has been another surprising, rising star this year, and there’s really no reason as to why he was left off of the roster. This season, Perdomo has hit 5 home runs, 13.5% BB%, 17.1% K%, .361 wOBA, 126 wRC+, and a 2.6 fWAR. Perdomo has been an integral piece to the surprising Diamondbacks team in 2023, giving him more reason as to why he should’ve been included. As for his competition for his roster spot, you once again see Ozzie Albies, Pete Alonso, Matt Olson, Dansby Swanson, and Austin Riley. Again, a lot of these infielders are certainly deserving, but the argument is certainly there for Perdomo to be included instead. For example, Perdomo has a higher fWAR than Ozzie Albies by 0.7, a higher wRC+ by 20 points compared to Dansby Swanson, and more. When you compile all of the numbers together, and compare his competition, there’s really no reason as to why Perdomo was left off of this team. Perdomo really should’ve been included, and it’s really unfortunate that he was left off of the team.

Snub #7: Carlos Estévez

Estévez, the Angels top choice when it comes to the closer position, has truly proven himself as one of the top closers in baseball this season. Not only is Estévez perfect with 21 saves in 21 attempts, but he’s been flawless all across the field. So far this season, Estévez has a 11.12 K/9, 4.24 BB/9, 1.85 ERA, 0.7 fWAR, 29.6% K%, 11.3% BB%, and a 6% barrel percentage. Given the numbers, Estévez has easily been one of baseball’s best relievers, and it’s really surprising that he didn’t make the all-star roster. Estévez has been an integral part of the Angels roster, and that doesn’t look to change anytime soon. Some relivers who made the team instead of Estévez include, Félix Bautista, Yennier Cano, Emmanuel Clase, and Kenley Jansen. Out of all of these closers, Estévez is the only one with a perfect saves record, something which is very impressive in it’s own right. But, when you look even closer at the numbers, Estévez has an ERA+ 117 points higher than Emmanuel Clase, which is just an incredible stat to see. When you take a closer look, Estévez was fully snubbed out of an all-star appearance, which is really sad to see.

Snub #8: Brandon Nimmo

Nimmo, one of the biggest stars on a very disappointing New York Mets team, certainly deserved to represent his team for the National League side of the all-star game. Nimmo is currently in the first year of his large contract, and he’s looking to be worth every single penny. So far this season, Nimmo has hit 12 homers, 40 RBI, 10.8% BB%, 22.8% K%, .362 wOBA, 134 wRC+, 2.6 fWAR, and a 9.2% barrel percentage. As you can see, not only has Nimmo been incredible in his own right, but he’s been one of the best hitters on the New York Mets. Nimmo currently has the 34th best fWAR in all of baseball, something that is very impressive. But when stacked up against his competition, Nimmo rivals both Nick Castellanos, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Gurriel currently only has a 1.4 fWAR opposed to Nimmo’s 2.6 fWAR, along with a 116 wRC+ compared to Nimmo’s 134 wRC+. Not only does Nimmo have better numbers in a lot of areas compared to Gurriel, but he should definitely have been an all-star.

Snub #9: Masataka Yoshida

After getting off to a slow start, Masataka Yoshida has been quite the addition for the Boston Red Sox this season. Yoshida was easily one of Japan’s most talented stars, and his skills seem to have translated to MLB strongly. So far this season, Yoshida has hit 9 homers, 41 RBI, 8.6% BB%, 11.2% K%, .371 wOBA, 134 wRC+, 1.2 fWAR, and a 7.3% barrel percentage. As previously mentioned, you can now see how Yoshida’s talents have translated amazingly to Major League Baseball. Yoshida has been a really amazing signing, and one of the few bright spots on a struggling Red Sox team. The Red Sox only have one all-star in this year’s all-star game, and that player is Kenley Jansen. The argument is certainly there that Yoshida would’ve been better to represent the Red Sox than Jansen, as well as the fact that Yoshida could’ve stacked up well against his outfield competition. But, when it comes to Yoshida, he will likely make the all-star game as a reserve due to outfielder injuries.

Snub #10: Ketel Marte

When it comes to Ketel Marte, the Diamondbacks have relied on him heavily to help their chances at making the playoffs this season. And he has certainly delivered. So far this season, Marte has been incredible, as he’s hit 15 homers, 44 RBI, 10.1% BB%, 16.4% K%, .372 wOBA, 133 wRC+, 2.2 fWAR, and a 9.6% barrel percentage. Marte has been spectacular this season for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and it’s very disappointing to see that he was not given the recognition he deserved with how he’s played this season. As we previously mentioned, the reserves for the National League infield have their work cut out for them when it comes to comparing them to players who were left off this list, and that doesn’t change when it comes to Marte. Marte’s 133 wRC+ is 27 points higher than Swanson’s 106 wRC+, and Marte’s 2.2 fWAR is 0.5 points higher than Austin Riley’s fWAR of 1.7. All things considered, Marte should have been considered for a reserve spot on the National League all-star team.

Conclusion

Every year, it seems as though we see plenty of all-star snubs, along with the players who deserve to be included. Many times, some of those snubs can be really bad. But this year may consist of the worst all-star snubs we’ve ever seen. From two, top ten players in Fernando Tatis Jr, and Wander Franco being left off the teams, it’s a really bad look for MLB. A potential solution? Removing the policy that every team must have an all-star representing their team. This way, the MLB All-Star Game could consist of more of MLB’s true all-stars. There are plenty of snubs we didn’t even cover in today’s article such as Andrew McCutchen, Alex Verdugo, and more, but the ten we covered in today’s article are the all-star snubs I feel were the worst.