Analyzing ASG Snubs

Deserving Players Overlooked and a Questionable Selection

The annual All-Star Game celebrates the most talented and accomplished players in Major League Baseball. However, every year, some deserving players fail to make the roster, while some selections raise eyebrows among fans and experts. In this article, we will examine a few players who were overlooked despite their outstanding performances and scrutinize a few questionable selections.

Clay Holmes: Overcoming Early Struggles to Shine

• Clay Holmes started the season on a shaky note, but he quickly turned things around in an impressive manner. In his last 30 games, Holmes boasts an exceptional 2.2 ERA in 28.2 innings pitched, surrendering only seven earned runs. His outstanding performance in his previous 15 games is particularly noteworthy, with a remarkable 1.2 ERA in 15 innings pitched, allowing a mere two runs. Overall, Holmes maintains an impressive 2.36 ERA in 34.1 innings pitched, accompanied by 43 strikeouts and a 1.14 WHIP. Furthermore, his xERA of 2.42 is nearly two points better than the league average of 4.34. Perhaps most astonishingly, Holmes holds an ERA+ of 177, indicating he is 77 times better than the league average. Despite such remarkable statistics, his absence from the All-Star Game roster is baffling.

Wander Franco: A Shortstop Leading the Way

• Wander Franco, a rising star in the league, has been turning heads with his exceptional performance this season. Currently leading all shortstops with a 3.9 WAR, Franco ranks second in WRC+ with a score of 127, second in wOBA with .347, and second in batting average with .285. Moreover, he maintains the lowest strikeout percentage among shortstops, at just 13.6%. Franco has showcased his speed on the base paths, leading all shortstops in stolen bases with 27. While he was named to the All-Star team as a reserve, it is truly bewildering that he was not selected for the main roster, given his impressive all-around game.

Whit Merrifield: A Questionable Selection

• Whit Merrifield’s inclusion in the All-Star Game roster has raised eyebrows among many baseball enthusiasts. Despite playing for the Toronto Blue Jays and benefiting from a large fanbase, Merrifield’s performance this season has been far from extraordinary. Merrifield’s statistics fail to stand out with a WRC+ of 100, which is league average, a lackluster .707 OPS, a 100 OPS+, and a .292 XWOBA. Accumulating only 1.2 WAR, hitting two home runs, and driving in 32 RBIs, Merrifield’s selection is based more on popularity than his on-field contributions.

Fernando Tatis Jr.: A Snubbed Superstar

• Fernando Tatis Jr. has undoubtedly established himself as one of the brightest stars in MLB. Despite missing the season’s first month due to a PED suspension, Tatis Jr. has excelled in every aspect of the game. He ranks 8th in fWAR with an impressive 3.4, places in the top 25 for home runs with 16, and boasts the 3rd-best right fielder wRC+ with 139. Furthermore, Tatis Jr. has been a defensive force, ranking second in the league for DRS with 16, trailing only his teammate Ha-Seong-Kim. Given his exceptional performance, it is perplexing that Tatis Jr. was not selected as an All-Star, as he deserves recognition for his remarkable contributions.

Ha-Seong-Kim: A Defensive Dynamo

• Ha-Seong-Kim has been a defensive standout in the league, showcasing his exceptional skills and making a strong case for his All-Star Game inclusion. Leading all MLB players in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) with 17, Kim has demonstrated his prowess in the field, committing only a single error throughout the season. Kim is also in the 100th percentile in OAA (Outs Above Average).He currently ranks 5th in WAR with an impressive 3.9 accumulated so far. His superman-like defense makes his absence from the All-Star roster a notable snub.

Conclusion:

The All-Star Game is a platform to celebrate the game’s most outstanding players, yet every year, deserving individuals are overlooked, while questionable selections raise eyebrows. With his impressive performance, Wander Franco undoubtedly earned a place on the All-Star roster. On the other hand, Whit Merrifield’s inclusion seems more influenced by popularity than his on-field contributions. Furthermore, the absence of superstars like Fernando Tatis Jr, stud reliever Clay Holmes, and defensive maestro Ha-Seong-Kim raises questions about the selection process. As the All-Star Game approaches, let us acknowledge these deserving players who were overlooked and scrutinize the decisions made as we continue to celebrate the excellence and achievements of MLB’s finest.

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Zachary Garbarino

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