MLB All-Star Game 2026 Rosters: Biggest Snubs
The rosters for the 2026 All-Star Game have been revealed, with the Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies leading the way with five All-Stars each. However, as expected, the announcement of the rosters has sparked a wave of complaints about snubs. By and large, the league manages to get the rosters close to correct, but there’s always room for debate.
In the American League, two notable snubs stand out: Jonathan Aranda of the Rays and Willson Contreras of the Red Sox. Given the impressive performances of Yandy Díaz, Nick Kurtz, and Ben Rice, it’s not surprising that Contreras or Aranda didn’t make the cut. However, both players have been on a roll, with Contreras hitting .285 and Aranda boasting a .287 average, along with respectable OPS+ and home run numbers.
Another snub in the American League is Sonny Gray of the Red Sox, who boasts a 10-1 record and a 2.61 ERA. It’s difficult to ignore his impressive performance, especially given the Red Sox’s less-than-stellar season record.
In the National League, several players were overlooked, including Braxton Ashcraft of the Pirates. Ashcraft has been a standout this season, with a 9-3 record and a 3.24 ERA. His rotation mate, Paul Skenes, was always a lock for the All-Star Game, but Ashcraft’s impressive performance makes his snub all the more surprising.
Elly De La Cruz of the Reds is another notable snub, despite missing time due to injury. De La Cruz has been electrifying in his 69 games, with a .276/.347/.484 batting line and 14 doubles, two triples, and 13 home runs. His omission from the roster is all the more puzzling given his impressive performance.
Other notable snubs in the National League include Michael Harris II of the Braves, Kyle Harrison of the Brewers, Brice Turang of the Brewers, JJ Wetherholt of the Cardinals, and Justin Wrobleski of the Dodgers. Each of these players has had a remarkable season, with impressive statistics and a strong case for inclusion in the All-Star Game.
It’s worth noting that some of these players may still be added to the roster due to injuries or the replacement of starting pitchers who will be unavailable for the Midsummer Classic. Regardless, their omission from the initial roster is a testament to the difficult task of selecting the best players for the All-Star Game.
