PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 12: A detail shot of the All-Star Game logo during the 2026 MLB Partner welcome reception at Fairmont Water Works on Sunday, July 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Derik Hamilton/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Somehow, the 2026 All-Star break is here.
What a first half for the Atlanta Braves. We’ve run the emotional gamut in this 55-40 record – delirious joy, abysmal lows, and all the in-between. Much like the summer temperatures, a certain divisional race is heating up. But a two-game lead, no matter how tenuous, is still a lead. Enjoy it.
The boys will be partaking in some much-needed rest before returning to game action on Friday. Ozzie Albies, Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson, Chris Sale, and Raisel Iglesias will represent Atlanta in our rival’s city tonight in the Midsummer Classic.
The All-Star Game and accompanying activities are polarizing for baseball fans. We asked the good people of Battery Power to put on their commissioner hats and share the ways they’d change the ASG. Hot takes ahead!
Let’s see some skills
We talk about tools all the time when we’re talking about ballplayers. Beyond the ability to hit dingers, why can’t we see more of what’s possible in our beautiful sport?
In a different flavor, we spend a decent chunk of ASG festivities honoring current players and getting excited about future stars. Why limit the alumni activations to brands and collabs?
Scheduling logic
Why do the All-Stars Futures Game and the MLB Draft happen while games are still being played? This is prime sicko content and it’s competing with real baseball, and seemingly for no reason.
Similarly and pedantically, this isn’t halfway through the season. So if we want it to serve as a real demarcation in the 162, it should theoretically be earlier.
Roster revamps
Fan voting will forever be contreversial, so some alts:
Get rid of [X]
Of course, some people want to simplify or eliminate the things they don’t personally enjoy. Whether it’s the fan vote, the Derby, or simply baseball’s newest game rules… nothing is sacred or safe:
With all our differing opinions, I think we can all agree on this one:
TORONTO, ON - JULY 02: New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) celebrates his two-run home run with designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27), while catcher Ben Rice (22) and outfielder Cody Bellinger (35) look on in the top of the eighth inning of an MLB game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays on July 2, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Mathew Tsang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across Major League Baseball. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Yankees fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Last week, we polled Yankees fans about how they envisioned the 2026 regular season ending for the ol’ Bombers. Only 24 percent said that they thought the Yanks would overtake the upstart Rays in the second half and win the AL East, though 58 percent maintained that they would still make the playoffs as a Wild Card, with the plurality of the options in the poll—35 percent—adding that New York would be the top Wild Card and host a best-of-three first-round series.
Had we sent this survey to fans during a different week when the Yanks weren’t in midst of a 4-14 stretch, perhaps the results would have been different. But even now after sweeping the Nationals to finish the second half on a better 5-2 road trip (splitting a tough Rays series in Tropicana Field as well), it’s clear that the Yankees have work to do. A three-game deficit sits in front of them, and unless they sweep a four-game set against the Rays in September, it might as well be four because Tampa Bay holds the tiebreaker. They’re most likely safe to make the playoffs because they hold a 6.5-game lead on the last Wild Card spot, but there are enough clubs at least vaguely in the mix that if a couple get hot, then it could get tense there as well.
In this week’s survey, we want you to predict the Yankees’ October, months ahead when the roster will look at least a little different due to the unforeseen injuries, players like Aaron Judge and Max Fried ideally returning to health, and any Trade Deadline tweaks. Do you think they’ll get themselves in good enough shape to win their 28th World Series, or at least to advance to their second in three years? Will they fall short somewhere in the AL playoffs? If so, where?
Vote in the poll and we’ll check out the results around the time the second half begins. A challenge awaits with those two-time defending champion Dodgers coming to the Bronx on Friday.
Jul 12, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a single against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
It has been an entire year since a member of the Phillies has won the All-Star Game MVP award. Can any of this year’s contingent of Phillies All-Stars break the long-standing “Curse of Kyle Schwarber?”
For newer readers, or those that generally tune me out: For the past few years, I lamented the fact that the Phillies hadn’t had the MVP of the All-Star Game since Johnny Callison in 1964. But thanks to Schwarber’s heroics in the overtime of last year’s game, The “Curse of Johnny Callison” was finally broken!
Phillies DH Kyle Schwarber made history on Tuesday night, winning All-Star Game MVP after clubbing three home runs in the first ever tie-breaking swing-off. https://t.co/fkKL2teKVc
With a healthy representation on the National League squad, and the game being played in Philadelphia, it feels like there’s a decent chance the Phillies could have the MVP of the game two years in a row.
Here are the candidates and the likelihood that they’ll win:
I don’t see it happening
Zack Wheeler – Since he understandably rejected the belated invitation to the team, he will (probably) not appear in the game, which generally reduces the chances of winning the MVP award.
You’d be better off investing in Crypto
Jesus Luzardo – Pitchers are generally at a disadvantage to win the award in general, and unless Luzardo is called upon to get a pivotal out – and as a late addition to the roster, I can’t see that happening – he’s not going to win
If you squint, you could see it
Cristopher Sanchez – For the past 40 years, the only pitchers to win the MVP award have done in when pitching in their home city. As the starting pitcher, Sanchez might get to work an inning plus, and if he looks great in a game where there are no clear offensive standouts, they might give the hometown guy the nod.
If the vibes are right
Jhoan Duran – I have to imagine that if the NL is leading in the ninth inning, Duran is going to get the save opportunity, because that entrance is going to play well on national TV. As with Sanchez, if there are no standout offensive players, and Duran closes out the game in dominating fashion, he could be the choice.
Brandon Marsh – Being in the starting lineup can actually be a disadvantage for a player’s chances, as he might get just one at bat, and it will be early in the game. Based on Monday night, Marsh is really enjoying being an All-Star, and his beard does garner attention. Sometimes early hits can prove just as decisive as late ones, so if Marsh drives in a few runs to put the NL ahead for good, he’s got a chance.
You know he wants it
Bryce Harper – Believe it or not, this will only be Harper’s second time playing in an All-Star Game as a Phillie. After falling short in the Home Run Derby, you know Harper is itching for the chance to shine on Tuesday. After his WBC heroics, you have to figure that if there’s a key at bat late in the game, manager Dave Roberts will deploy Harper. If he comes through, the award is his.
Let’s do it again
Kyle Schwarber – Maybe he’s worn out from Monday’s epic Home Run Derby…Or maybe it’s just left him hungrier. As the NL’s leadoff hitter, a Schwarbomb to start things off would be positively majestic. And if the game goes into overtime again, it’s almost a given that Schwarber will be one of the NL’s hitters in the swing off. Can lightning strike twice?
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 10, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I thought I’d ask the question, Who do you think will improve the most the second half of the season?
I planned on have all the Jays regulars in the poll, but I’m limited to six option in the poll. Oh well.
There is room for any of our hitters to improve, but let’s go with these six. The team offense isn’t what it ought to be. Let’s use OPS as a measure, the one who’s second half OPS is the most improved from the first half.
Obviously, Vlad’s numbers are nowhere near what we expect from him. And there has been some improvement over the ten games. He has a .773 OPS over those ten games, mostly because he hit two home runs and took seven walks in those ten games. I don’t think that means he is sure to improve after the All-Star break, but it would be hard for him not to improve.
Myles Straw has a .626 OPS in the first half. He’s never been a great hitter, but last year his OPS was .680. So there is a lot of room for him to get better. And he’s been some better in his last ten games, with a .692 OPS.
Andrés Giménez has a .640 OPS. He isn’t in the lineup for his bat, but he can do batter than that. His last ten games have been awful offensively, .400 OPS.
Daulton Vasho has a .696 OPS, after a .833 last year. And his last ten games have been terrible, .276 OPS. I think he’s looking better defensively, but the bat? He isn’t striking out, but he isn’t making any hard contact.
George Springer has a .677 OPS. After a bounce back season last year, he’s back to be hitting like he did in 2024. He’s finally been moved out of the leadoff spot. He’s only had three games since the last injury.
Alejandro Kirk has had a tough season, breaking a hand. Guys often have a tough time after an injury like that. His OPS is .587. I’ve always thought that Kirk could fall out of bed and hit .290. In his last ten games, he has an .589 OPS.
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - MARCH 30: Hunter Dietz #32 of the Arkansas Razorbacks throws a pitch during the game against the LSU Tigers at Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field on March 30, 2024 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 7-5. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the 2026 MLB Draft played out, several early surprises created a scenario where it seemed like a wealth of position playing talent was going to still be on the board for the Yankees to choose from. Bo Lowrance, Daniel Jackson, and Cole Prosek were three names that had traction with Yankees fans online. With all those options on the board I expected the Yankees to grab a position player in the first round, but they took advantage when a highly ranked pitcher was unexpectedly still available with the 35th overall pick.
University of Arkansas pitcher Hunter Dietz was the highest-ranked prospect still on the board as the Yankees made their first pick of the draft, and the team jumped at the chance to bring him into their pitching development system. The 6-foot-6 lefty from the University of Arkansas battled injuries during his first two seasons in college but broke out in a big way this past season. Dietz led the SEC in quality starts during the 2026 season while striking out 131 batters in 85.2 innings.
One player comparison that will excite Yankees fans is with Cam Schlittler, as Dietz’s large frame and big velocity should give him a similar tool set to work with as the Yankees had with Schilittler when he joined the organization.
The Yankees then followed up with Canadian prep left-hander Sean Duncan, who is considered one of the most polished high-school pitchers in the draft. Duncan is a Vanderbilt commit, but it is widely assumed that he will sign after being taken in the second round. Yankees fans will have to wait a while to see him in action as it was reported in June that he will need Tommy John surgery, but with a long track record of being one of the top pitchers in his age group, there are not many concerns that he will return to form after his recovery.
With these two picks the Yankees bolstered the left-handed pitching depth of their farm system. In order to get these two talented left-handed pitchers, the Yankees passed on several other areas of weakness within their farm system but quickly turned to start addressing those needs. They used their third- and fifth-round picks on college catchers, which is not surprising as their farm system currently does not have a catcher ranked among the top-30 prospects by either MLB.com or Baseball America.
In the third round the Yankees grabbed Brendan Brock, an exciting prospect with the rare tool of elite speed for a catching prospect who just played a big role in the University of Oklahoma’s national championship run. Brock is athletic enough that scouts also see him as a legitimate option anywhere in the outfield if the Yankees choose to go that way.
Two rounds later, the Yankees grabbed Texas A&M’s Bear Harrison. The younger brother of Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison, Bear has a career .445 on-base percentage in three years of college, peaking with a .495 mark this past year. He has also produced outstanding exit velocities during his career showing the potential to be a solid power hitter as he moves into the professional ranks.
Another fun pick came in the eighth round when the Yankees selected Luke Pettitte as a two-way player from Dallas Baptist University.
Andy Pettitte’s son took advantage of his year recovering from Tommy John surgery to put up big numbers including 16 home runs while serving as a full-time designated hitter. It is more likely that we will see Pettitte on the mound when his arm is recovered, as Baseball America credits him with some of the best command in the 2026 draft class.
The other storyline to follow now that the picks are complete is signability. In the age of NIL, only a handful of college teams can compete with a solid signing bonus and improved minor league pay, but it is a different environment than in many previous years. The Yankees selected four high-school players and will likely have to be creative to sign all of them away from their college commitments. Sixth-round pick Andrew Gonzalez was moving up draft boards as his strong left-handed power from the caught the attention of a very well-funded Texas Tech program. Further down in the draft, the Yankees selected outfielder Lee Garris and shortstop William Cutshall. Garris is coming off a Virginia state championship for his high school team and was expected to head to James Madison University before being drafted by the Yankees with the 398th overall pick. Cutshall was planning on starting at the University of Mississippi in the fall and may be one of the toughest picks to keep from going to campus.
The Yankees put together a very solid draft, bringing in a mix of exciting arms and talented position players. Over the course of two days, they drafted players who will slot as their top or second-best left-handed pitching prospect. They also picked up two players who will rank as the best catching prospects in the organization for now. Around that they selected a blend of solid performance, and potential upside. In the coming weeks, we will get to see many of these players take the field for the first time as Yankees prospects.
In case you missed it, check out Pinstripe Alley’s full draft coverage!
NEW YORK - JULY 15: (L-R) David Ortiz #34 and Manny Ramirez #24 of the Boston Red Sox look on prior to the 79th MLB All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium on July 15, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When your franchise is decades older than the very first iteration of your sport’s all-star event, you’re bound to have some iconic players making some key plays during the league’s premier mid-year showcase. The Boston Red Sox are no exception to that.
Over 125 seasons and……….well, a lot of All-Stars later (I ain’t counting all of these; there’s at least four guys on there though, no arguing that), the law firm of Rafaela, Chapman, and Contreras (Suarez is on vacation, it appears) will look to add on to that legacy of Sox getting the job done during the Midsummer Classic or the preceding Home Run Derby.
With the 96th MLB All-Star Game set to take place in Philadelphia tonight, what better way to celebrate than by counting down the best Red Sox memories from All-Star festivities of yesteryear?
One catch, though: We’re looking at the moments that happened after the 1999 ASG at Fenway. Sorry, that’s too easy. You and I both know that the two best Red Sox All-Star moments are Ted Williams riding out in the golf cart from center and the masterclass that Pedro put on immediately afterwards. You can pick which order you want to put them in. Regardless, including 1999 into this countdown would make everything a foregone conclusion, so let’s mix it up a bit and call this a list of 21st century Sox memories from the ASG.
Honorable Mention: Johnny Damon Doin’ Some Karaoke With Alter Bridge (Detroit 2005)
Dudes rock.
I thought I had maybe imagined this while trying to find the footage. I was striking out for a little bit, thinking I perhaps had a Mandela Effect thing going on. Surely, World Series champion and 2005 All-Star Johnny Damon was not singing some butt rock at Comerica Park before the Home Run Derby, right?
Nope, it was real. Johnny Damon (and Mike Piazza!) were getting fans revved up to see some dingers with the best way the knew how: belting out the tunes. All-Stars can be crooners, too.
5. Brock Holt Just Being There As An All-Star (Cincinnatti 2015)
That was awesome, huh? .280/.349/.379 sure looks like the triple slash of an All-Star to me, dear reader.
In a season that was as garbage as 2015 was, it was nice to have a win like this one. Someone had to represent the team in Cincy—I’m glad it was our ol’ pal Brock. That can be the the beauty of MLB’s All-Star Game: Future Hall of Famers can rub elbows with guys who are cult heroes in their own cities.
And Holt took a bag off of one of the best defensive catchers we’ve ever seen! Not too shabby for a guy who was selected just because every team has to have a representative!
4. Manny And Papi Have Liftoff In Space City (Houston 2004)
The best 1-2 combo in the league in 2004 showed everybody what they were about during the 2004 All-Star Game, as Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz both left the yard en route to a massive 9-4 win for the Junior Circuit.
Manny was first in the opening frame, sending a two-run bomb into the Crawford Boxes to really open up the scoring. It was part of a six-run first inning against, guess who, Roger Clemens. Papi followed in the sixth inning to extend the AL’s lead with a massive dinger.
The duo went on to have no other notable hits in the 2004 season.
3. David Ortiz: Derby Champion (Anaheim 2010)
Speaking of Ortiz homers….
It took Papi a couple of tries (he was in three straight derbies between 2004 and 2006), but he was finally able to claim the Home Run Derby crown at Angels Stadium in 2010. Ironically enough, he beat future teammate Hanley Ramirez in the final.
Much like his lack of output in 2004, Mr. Ortiz went on to have a quiet career after his triumph in the summer of 2010.
(By the way, look at how far news videos have come based off of that video from the AP)
2. JD Drew Ties It Up In The Bronx (New York 2008)
JD Drew waited a while to become an All-Star. When he finally got his chance, he did not disappoint.
His two-run dinger in the seventh inning finally got the AL on the board at the old (but not the OLD old) Yankee Stadium in 2008. The game eventually lasted for 15 innings—the NL actually got the lead right back after Drew’s heroics before the AL tied it again—before the American League walked it off late into the summer night. Still, Drew’s home run was enough to earn him the MVP nod.
Drew didn’t even have the best homer as a Boston player en route to an ASG MVP award in the 21st century, though…
1. Jarren Duran Gives The AL The Lead (Texas 2024)
Jarren Duran’s excellent 2024 campaign with the Sox was punctuated with a huge go-ahead homer in the fifth inning to put the American League out in front in Texas. The AL went on to hold onto the lead for the rest of the game, and number 16 was rewarded with the game’s MVP award for his efforts. He was also rewarded with an interview from that guy who didn’t amount to much after he and his pal hit some homers of their own in Texas 20 years earlier.
On top of that, his homer ensured that people would forget that Tanner Houck gave up a nuke to that Ohtani fella earlier in the night. Nice teammate!
Hopefully, this article will be a lil’ out of date by the end of the night. Let me know if you think I forgot any memories in the comments below. Regardless of whether you think I did or didn’t, though, enjoy the game!
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 11: Commissioner of Major League Baseball Robert D. Manfred announces Daniel Jackson as the 37th overall pick by the Colorado Rockies during the 2026 MLB Draft presented by Nippon Express at Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockies fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2026 MLB Draft is in the books, and we got our first look at how the Rockies’ new front office envisions this team. They took 21 total players, and you can keep up with the signings here.
But now that we’ve had some time to analyze and reflect, how do you think the Rockies did in this year’s draft? Which player are you most excited to see? Specifically, which player from Day 1 excites you the most?
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 2: Lucas Duda #21 of the New York Mets watches as his two run home run clears the fence during the third inning against the Washington Nationals on August 2, 2015 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s that time of year again: A collection of baseball’s finest from across the country rendezvous for 48 hours of red-carpeted, star-studded celebration. And along with all the fanfare and festivities comes an inevitable complaint ringing out from the bleachers, the internet echo chambers, and heated family dinners: “Why isn’t [insert favorite player with a probably pretty compelling case] at the All-Star Game?! End fan voting! End player voting! Get rid of analytics!” Or something to that effect.
As it stands, the All-Star Game is an exhibition. Without home-field advantage at stake, the point is to have fun and showcase players worthy of celebration. So it’s in that spirit of fun and celebration (and not in the spirit of anger) that I have embarked on creating the Mets’ No-Star Team — a roster of longtime staples, postseason heroes, and fan favorites who never made an All-Star Game in their entire career. Note that the criteria here excludes players who earned an All-Star selection with a different team, so no Nolan Ryan-types are eligible. It also doesn’t incorporate projections, so you won’t find Nolan McLean or Carson Benge on the list (though with another couple years of similar production and no All-Star selections, both would have a solid case).
Without further ado, here are my selections for the Mets’ No-Star roster.
FIRST BASE – Donn Clendenon
The All-Star Game might be all about first halves, but Clendenon’s Mets legend was built on the power of his second half after being traded from the Expos in 1969. After the All-Star Break, Clendenon put up an .851 OPS with 11 homers in 47 games as the Miracle Mets surged their way to the postseason, where Clendenon slashed .357/.438/1.071 with three homers in four games. Clendenon was never an All-Star, despite a strong 1970 season with New York and several formidable seasons in Pittsburgh during the mid-60s. But who needs an All-Star selection when you’ve got a World Series MVP Award, right?
SECOND BASE – Wally Backman
Neil Walker, Ken Boswell, and Tim Teufel all have solid cases, but Backman ultimately gets the nod here in recognition of his nine-year tenure in orange and blue. It’s not difficult to see why Backman never made an All-Star team, as he only once entered an All-Star break hitting over .300 (in 1986) and only played in north of 60 games by the break on three occasions (1982, 1984-85). But he finished his Mets career with a solid .283 average and 165 RBI, and he recorded a top-10 bWAR on two division-winning teams.
THIRD BASE – Dave Magadan
Magadan spent seven seasons with the Mets, averaging 100 games played per season with a 122 OPS+. His best shot at the Midsummer Classic came in 1990, when he ended the first half slashing .355/.438/.483, but he didn’t earn the full-time starting job until early June. He didn’t put up eye-opening power numbers, but he was an offensive force, and could serve as the No-Star Team’s honorary hitting coach as well.
SHORTSTOP – Wilmer Flores
Of all the positions to consider when making this No-Star roster, this one might have been the weakest. There’s Francisco Lindor and José Reyes, the titans of the Mets’ shortstop pool, but both players were of course perennial All-Stars. Kevin Elster, Bob Bailor, Amed Rosario, and Rubén Tejada all have their cases, but with no clear candidate, the honor should go to the heart and soul of the 2015 Mets. His numbers (a .262 average, .727 OPS, 68 homers, and 2.3 bWAR across six seasons) might not tell the whole story, but they don’t need to — Mets fans will still be telling Wilmer’s story for generations. Call it this No-Star Team’s fan vote. Our Ernie Clement.
LEFT FIELD – Kevin McReynolds
Only 28 MLB players to debut since 1933 (when the first All-Star Game occurred) have accumulated 30+ bWAR and not made an All-Star team. Kevin McReynolds is one of those 28 players. During five seasons with the Mets between 1987-91, he averaged 24 homers, 28 doubles, 87 RBI, and 13 steals a year, with a .273 batting average and a 122 OPS+. In his 1988 campaign, when he clubbed 27 homers behind a 142 OPS+, he placed third in National League MVP voting behind Kirk Gibson and teammate Darryl Strawberry — but even in that season he did not make the NL All-Star team, as the bulk of his production came in a second-half surge.
CENTER FIELD – Mookie Wilson
Mookie Wilson is precisely the type of player who provides immense value to winning baseball teams, but tends to slip through the All-Star cracks. A speedy, glove-first center fielder, Mookie never recorded more than 3.8 bWAR in a season, never finished a season batting over .300, and only once (in 1984) reached double-digit home runs. But he was almost freakishly consistent with the bat, recording a .276 batting average in three consecutive seasons between 1983-85. For that, he also earns a selection to the All-Khris Davis team.
RIGHT FIELD – Brandon Nimmo
As has been documented on this site by long-winded hacks before, it seems as if the baseball gods have conspired to keep the very-good-but-not-quite-elite Brandon Nimmo from the All-Star Game. Some years, it’s been injuries. Some years, it’s been a proper snub. One year, it was a global pandemic. When all is said and done, Brandon Nimmo concluded his Mets career with 135 homers, 463 RBI, 524 walks, and 26.0 bWAR — all of those marks ranking first among Mets players with zero All-Star selections.
CATCHER – Francisco Alvarez
There were a number of solid candidates to choose from for the catcher position, but Alvarez eked out the competition on the back of his 57 homers, already fourth-most among Mets catchers — and he’s not even 25 years old yet. Alvarez’s bat may not be able to live up to the lofty expectations that come with top prospect status, and his health has certainly defied him (he’s only once played more than 100 games in a season), but Mets fans shouldn’t take for granted what he’s given them. Since 2023, only eight players in baseball have caught at least 300 games while maintaining an OPS+ above 100, and Alvarez is the youngest of that group by almost two years.
DESIGNATED HITTER – Lucas Duda
Of the 23 Mets players to record 30-homer seasons, only three never made an All-Star team in their careers: Bernard Gilkey, Ike Davis, and Lucas Duda, this No-Star Team’s designated hitter selection. The left-handed slugger spent eight seasons in Queens, with his two best coming in 2014 (the aforementioned 30-homer season) and 2015 (when the Mets won the NL pennant). Duda finished his Mets tenure with a total of 125 homers, 11th-most in franchise history, and has the third-most at Citi Field with 71.
RESERVES
Catcher: Todd Pratt Infield: John Milner, Wayne Garrett Outfield: Juan Lagares, Bernard Gilkey
For backup catcher, Todd Pratt fits the bill, providing an iconic series-clinching walk-off home run in the playoffs and five years with a 100 OPS+ as a Met. Apologies to Ron Hodges, who played 12 seasons and 666 games as a Met, but even for a No-Star Team his .240 average and .663 OPS wasn’t quite enough to make the cut.
Our backup infielders are a pair of 1970s Mets, with Milner offering power (multiple 20-homer seasons) and Garrett providing versatility around the diamond. Todd Zeile and Ed Charles both had solid cases, but ultimately neither spent quite enough time in orange and blue to beat out Milner and Garrett.
The outfield reserves might just have been the most competitive portion of this entire roster. It feels painful excluding Ángel Pagán, who put up a 4.0 bWAR season in 2009 followed by a 5.3 bWAR season in 2010. It feels even worse excluding Steve Henderson, who came one vote short of winning NL Rookie of the Year Award in 1977 before putting up three more solid years.
But Lagares is the ultimate fourth outfielder for a No-Star roster. A Gold Glove Award winner with a career .701 OPS against lefties (just barely enough to earn him starts as a platoon) and contributions to a pennant-winning team, he handily makes the cut.
Gilkey only played in parts of three seasons with the Mets, but one of those was a monster 8.1-bWAR campaign in 1996. Since 1933, only 22 players have put up 8+ bWAR in a season and not made the All-Star team that year. Of those 22 players, only three never made an All-Star Game in their entire careers: John Valentin, Andrelton Simmons, and Gilkey. This No-Star article was essentially made to highlight players like Gilkey, who did exceptional things on the field yet never received baseball’s most traditional honor designated for exceptional players.
ROTATION – Bob Ojeda, Craig Swan, Gary Gentry, Steven Matz, Sean Manaea
Ojeda is the clear ace of this staff. The left-hander put up a 2.57 ERA as part of an elite rotation in 1986, and went 2-0 with a 2.33 ERA in four postseason starts. He followed that up with four more solid seasons in New York, giving him a body of work worthy of this honor. Over his 15-year career, Ojeda went 115-98 with a 3.65 ERA and 1,128 strikeouts. He earned a third-place Rookie of the Year finish in 1981 with the Red Sox and a fourth-place Cy Young finish in ’86, but no All-Star selections.
Here’s a trivia question. Only five Mets pitchers have won an ERA title. Four of them are predictable enough: Tom Seaver (1970, ’71, ’73), Dwight Gooden (1985), Johan Santana (2008), and Jacob deGrom (2018). But the fifth might stump even a confident Mets fan. Craig Swan captured the title with a 2.43 ERA in 1978, despite only going 9-6 on a 96-loss, last-place team. The Mets’ sole All-Star representative that season was right-hander Pat Zachry, who had come over in the Tom Seaver trade the summer prior. Swan spent 12 seasons in New York, starting 184 games for the Mets — 10th-most in franchise history, and first among pitchers without an All-Star appearance (coming in just ahead of Jon Niese in both pools).
Selecting Gentry as this rotation’s No. 3 starter is a part-logical, part-sentimental decision. Gentry’s role in Mets history is in some ways the embodiment of a third starter, with his 3.43 ERA in 1969 providing a contribution less flashy than Seaver’s and less remembered than Koosman’s, but no less important in helping the Mets become champions. He shone especially bright in that Fall Classic, tossing 6.2 scoreless innings against the Orioles in Game 3 (the first World Series game played at Shea Stadium).
Among the Mets’ five young fireballers of the mid-2010s, four became All-Stars. Matt Harvey started the All-Star Game in 2013, Noah Syndergaard was selected despite not pitching due to injury in 2016, Zack Wheeler has made it thrice since joining the Phillies in 2020, and Jacob deGrom is a five-timer. But Steven Matz — whose career got off to a sizzling start in 2015 with a 2.27 ERA in six regular season starts and a 3.68 ERA in three postseason starts (including the Mets’ pennant-clinching game at Wrigley Field) — missed out on the honor. He’s had solid seasons, with a 3.40 ERA in 2016 as a Met, a 3.82 ERA in 2021 as a Blue Jay, and a 3.86 ERA in 2023 as a Cardinal. It’s never been enough to make an All-Star Team, but it’s certainly enough for a No-Star Team.
Manaea hasn’t quite been the same since 2024, but his efforts that season as the effective ace of a team that came two games from the World Series more than earn him the fifth spot in this rotation. And if he ended up looking more like 2025 or 2026 Sean Manaea than 2024 Sean Manaea, then Jon Niese and John Maine would both be on call to jump in as potential No-Star replacements.
BULLPEN
Closer: Roger McDowell Setup: Turk Wendell, Addison Reed, Skip Lockwood Lefty specialist: Aaron Loup Long men: Jim McAndrew, Ray Sadecki
The first four names here are true, traditional relievers. McDowell, the right-handed anchor in the Mets’ ’80s bullpens, ranks eighth on the franchise’s all-time leaderboard with 84 saves. In 1998-99, Wendell put up back-to-back seasons with a 140+ ERA. He also won’t have to fight anyone for a number on this No-Star Team, being one of only two Mets along with Taijuan Walker (a 2021 All-Star) to wear No. 99. Reed only spent part of three seasons (with one full one) in New York, but it was a dominant run. The right-hander posted a 2.09 ERA (194 ERA+) with 156 strikeouts in 142.0 IP. And Lockwood’s Mets career was bracketed by a pair of strong seasons, with a 1.49 ERA in both 1975 and 1979.
The competition for that last traditional spot in the bullpen made for a brutal decision. A shoutout is in order to Ron Taylor, Bob Apodaca, Terry Leach, and Jeff Innis, each of whom had particularly compelling cases.
For the role of left-handed specialist, there were two clear frontrunners: Jerry Blevins and Aaron Loup. Blevins spent four seasons in New York, two of which were elite. Loup spent just one season in New York, but it was one of the best relief seasons in Mets history, with a 0.95 ERA in 56.2 innings. Ultimately, I went with Loup because of how utterly insane those 2021 numbers are, but Blevins would be well-justified to run an SNY segment challenging the decision.
The long relievers are a pair of starting pitchers who barely missed the cut for the rotation. McAndrew spent six solid seasons as a Met, with a 3.54 ERA. Sadecki, an 18-year veteran who also spent six seasons as a Met, has the fifth-most wins (135) of any southpaw without an All-Star selection to debut since 1933. He also split time between the rotation and the bullpen, making 62 starts and 103 relief appearances as a Met, making him perfect for this long relief role.
And that does it for the Mets’ No-Star Team. Surely, now that every possible Met without an award has been given an award, this will end all complaint and debate, right? Let me know in the comments!
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 13: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves speaks to the media during the 2026 National League Media Availability at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves will be well represented at the 2026 All-Star Game. Veteran left-hander Chris Sale is part of a five-player contingent set to suit up when the National League battles the American League at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Sale will be flanked by second baseman Ozzie Albies, catcher Drake Baldwin, first baseman Matt Olson, and closer Raisel Iglesias. While Albies and Olson each received the honor for the fourth time, this All-Star selection marks the 10th in the Hall of Fame career of Sale.
Reaching that double-digit plateau puts Sale in exclusive company. He is just the eighth starting pitcher in Major League Baseball history to be selected to 10 All-Star Games. Sale joins Braves legends Tom Glavine and Warren Spahn as well as Steve Carlton, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Clayton Kershaw, and Tom Seaver on the list.
Sale earned this trip to Philadelphia by compiling a 2.20 ERA, second only to fellow All-Star Jacob Misiorowski (1.62) in the NL. This marks the third consecutive season that Sale has been named to the All-Star team since joining the Braves, ending a five-year absence after going to seven straight for the American League from 2012-2018.
Atlanta’s group of All-Stars also includes two first-timers in Baldwin and Iglesias, the former in just his second big league season while the latter was wondering if he’d ever make the cut.
I spent a few minutes catching up with Sale to hear his memories from his first All-Star Game, the road back from injury to once again being selected for this honor, and his thoughts on a long-awaited All-Star nod for Iglesias.
Grant McAuley: Let’s chat a little about the All-Star game, because I know as somebody who’s been around the game and had the opportunity to take part in some of these, they’re all special. What does this one mean to you? Third year in Atlanta, third All-Star appearance. As you get to this point of your career, I would imagine it’s just a different level of meaningful.
Chris Sale: Yeah, I think there’s nothing like the first one. The first one’s probably always going to be the coolest one, the funnest one, just because you’ve never been there before. But that doesn’t mean that any of the other ones aren’t special and cool again. I just think about all of the people that helped me get here. You go back five or six years ago, I don’t think a whole lot of people had this on their bingo card, so I’m just really thankful for everyone that helped me get back to this point and to be able to enjoy these things.
GM: Walk me through that first All-Star game. It was 2012, if memory serves. It was a different game back then, a different time in your life and career. As a young player coming up, what was it like walking into that locker room and being among the guys you looked up to, players who at that moment in time were the best in the game?
CS: Shoot, I want to say there’s at least two Hall of Famers in there. I remember, you know, CC Sabathia was there, Derek Jeter was there. Some of those bigger name guys that I looked up to when I was a kid were just walking around that clubhouse. I was just thinking, ‘Man, I don’t feel like I belong in here.’ So, to be able to look back on that moment and then to where I am now, it’s just special. Again, I just appreciate the opportunity and I’m just thankful for all the people that helped me get here.
GM: You mentioned people a few years ago might not have had this on their bingo card, you becoming a multiple time All-Star again. I know you went through a lot and I’m sure that was a gut check experience in so many different ways, emotionally, physically, and everything in between. To be here at this point, I’d imagine that there’s a fair amount of appreciation not just for the people that got here but the fact that being an All-Star is still a path you’re able to walk by pitching at a very high level.
CS: For sure. This game is very humbling. There’s not a single person that’s ever played for an extended period of time as a Major League Baseball player that hasn’t been just absolutely humbled by this game. The rough parts of it, you know, they happen to everybody. I think perspective helps a lot, too. Sometimes your problems are your problems, but they’re not real problems. I certainly could have gotten a lot worse news than some of the news I was getting.
There’s always someone having a rougher time than you, I can promise you that. So, I think perspective helps a lot. I know I keep going back to it, but just leaning on the people that I had around me helped me a lot through the bad times. Then to be able to experience the good times with them and being able to make some of these phone calls I’ve made over the last few days.
Certainly in 2024, with the way that year played out, you know, being able to make some of those phone calls and then go and sit in Coach Dave Tollet’s office at FGCU and just being like, ‘Man, what the hell just happened?’ It was kind of a whirlwind, but I’m just so thankful.
GM: Well, the people who are around you for this All-Star game include several of your teammates. Drake Baldwin is a first-timer, but another first-timer is Raisel Iglesias. You know how hard this game is. You know how long you have to chip away sometimes to maybe get some recognition from the outside. Raisel said that he’d all but given up on the idea of being an All-Star and was just looking forward to that vacation with his family for a few days. Obviously, he was very happy to change his plans this time around. How happy are you for Raisel?
CS: Very happy. Like I said, that first one is always the best one, you know? The excitement and everything surrounding it. It’s going to be fun for me to be able to go and experience that with them for the first time. And correct me, if I’m wrong and I haven’t fact-checked this, but he has the most saves for a first time All Star.
And not only that, and I might sound like a homer here, but I think if you look at the numbers it’ll back it up, but he probably should have been an All-Star in 2024 as well. I think making it that far into your career and feeling like you kind of got snubbed once, maybe twice, along the way, it’s got to be tough. I’m just happy for him. I mean, it’s been a long time coming and it’s an honor that should be recognized for him and it’s something that he’s earned. He deserves it. So, I’m just happy for him. You get a guy that’s been in the game that long, 12 seasons now, and a first time All-Star? That’s awesome.
GM: It absolutely is. Chris, I appreciate your time. Enjoy the All-Star Game, the All-Star break, and all those good things.
CS: Thank you.
For more All-Star conversations, check out this piece on four-time MLB All-Star Ozzie Albies
San Diego, CA - August 17: Gio Rojas pitches for the East team during the Dick's Sporting Goods Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park on August 17, 2025 in San Diego, CA. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rangers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2026 MLB Draft took place over the weekend, with the Texas Rangers’ selections highlighted by prep lefties Gio Rojas and Brody Bumila in rounds one and three and Austin Anderson infielder Connor Comeau in round two.
Today’s Rangers Reacts survey asks you to grade the Rangers’ draft. Yes, I know, its an exercise of futility to try to grade a draft the day after it ends. It takes years to see how a draft works out. But we’re doing the poll anyway, because its fun, dammit!
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker was the biggest star on the Home Run Derby stage Monday night in Philadelphia. But his family members cheering him on from the stands might have been a close second.
As the 24-year-old Walker slugged his way to a victory over hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber in the final round, his parents' emotional reaction to each and every homer provided a refreshingly human aspect to the slickly produced and sponsor-heavy event.
“He was awesome today," Derek gushed. "I just loved everything about it. Just his attitude, his approach, the smoothness of swing. Looked like his dad. But yeah, he just did a great job. We're so proud of him.”
That familial pride certainly came through during the competition, as the broadcast repeatedly cut to reactions from his dad and mom, Katrina, who were both sporting Cardinals jerseys with Walker's No. 18 on the front and "Jordan's Dad" and "Jordan's Mom," respectively, on the back.
“From an early age, he always loved the game. He always loved to play baseball. Loved to sleep with his glove. He always had a bat," Derek continued.
"We traveled with it all the time. He ate, slept, thought baseball, and he just kept progressing. He just kept getting better and better and working on his craft. And again, we can't be more proud.”
Walker's parents were such a hit, they later joined the postgame set, along with his sister and grandmother, to chat with MLB superstars Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols and Anthony Rizzo.
Who’s cutting onions? 🥺
You’re going to want to watch this moment with Jordan Walker and his family after he won the T-Mobile Home Run Derby ❤️ #HRDerbypic.twitter.com/bhOeQdfBVg
It all made for a memorable evening for the Walker family, especially since the $1 million prize for winning the competition was more than he'll earn in salary for the entire 2026 season.
It also made for a memorable evening for viewers who stuck around for the postgame celebration.
The Mets will return from the All-Star break on Thursday night in Philadelphia with a record of 40-57. Mathematical elimination is perhaps months away, but New York's season -- when it comes to competing for a playoff spot -- is over.
That is a gut punch for a team that entered the year with enormous expectations.
The job for the front office now becomes deciding just how much to tear down at the trade deadline and which players are true keepers for 2027 and beyond.
Juan Soto Francisco Lindor Carson Benge A.J. Ewing Nolan McLean Christian Scott
Beyond those six players, I think it makes all the sense in the world to keep Francisco Alvarez (an above average offensive catcher under team control through 2029) and Luis Torrens (one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, signed through 2028) unless the Mets are absolutely bowled over.
But pretty much everyone else should be available.
At the top of the list will be players who are set to be free agents at the end of the season, including Freddy Peralta, Brooks Raley, and A.J. Minter, while a reliever like Huascar Brazoban should also have some value given his years of control and relatively low salary.
Jun 9, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta - Imagn Images
Clay Holmes' situation is tricky, since he's all but certain to decline the $12 million player option he holds for the 2027 season. But he's open to an extension, which seems like a no-brainer for the Mets.
The same can be said when it comes to Luke Weaver, who is under contract through 2027, but could potentially bring the Mets a relative haul if they trade him now.
It has been a strange, disjointed season for Lindor, who made uncharacteristic mental mistakes in the field early this season before landing on the IL with a calf injury that cost him two months.
Since returning, Lindor has been shaking off the rust at the plate, and his defense has still been iffy -- including a play last Sunday against the Red Sox where he booted a grounder that would've been a game-ending 6-4-3 double play.
Overall, Lindor's defense at shortstop is in the 65th percentile, via Baseball Savant/OAA, which is a tick above average. So the optics have been worse than the actual results.
The same can be said for his offense.
Lindor is hitting just .216/.298/.373 (.671 OPS, 86 OPS+) in 40 games, but he is average to well above average this year in 12 of 13 key advanced metrics tracked by Baseball Savant, including xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, average exit velocity, and hard hit percentage.
Add to the above the fact that Lindor was an elite player from 2022 to 2025, finishing top 10 in MVP voting each season, and it's fair to believe his numbers will be there when the year ends.
Also of interest: will the relationship between Lindor and Soto, which was frosty last season, continue to grow?
One of the Mets' hopes ahead of this season was that Jonah Tong and/or Jack Wenninger would excel for Triple-A Syracuse and be an option for the big league rotation sooner rather than later.
That hasn't happened. And in the case of Tong, who has been attempting to add some east to west pitches to his profile to complement his north to south arsenal, the struggles have been deep.
That has opened a door in the bigs for Thornton, who has been very impressive in limited action.
Jun 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zach Thornton (49) follows through on a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In 17.1 innings over three starts, Thornton has a 2.60 ERA (2.98 FIP) and 0.92 WHIP while allowing just 11 hits, walking five, and striking out 15.
It is command over stuff for Thornton, who relies heavily on his four-seam fastball and cutter, while mixing in a sweeper and sinker as his other main offerings.
The Mets don't need Thornton to be a savior. They simply need him to be someone who can be relied on to eat innings and limit blowup outings -- something most of their rotation members this season have not been able to do.
If Thornton continues to pitch well -- and he should get every opportunity to remain in the rotation down the stretch -- he could add a nice element to their rotation plans for 2027.
Both Semien and Polanco are having nightmare first seasons in New York after being acquired as part of David Stearns' offensive makeover.
Semien struggled on both sides of the ball, played through a hip injury for a while, and then landed on the IL.
Polanco, who has been slowed by an Achilles issue for most of the season, has played just 19 games and posted a .514 OPS.
Jun 24, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) turns a double play during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Semien should be back shortly after the All-Star break, when he could potentially show that his substandard second base defense had a lot to do with his hip injury. But his offense, which was a tick below average for the Rangers last season, will be a huge concern until he shows he can again produce at an acceptable level at the plate.
As far as Polanco, he has been limited to DH duty since returning and will likely not get much playing time in the field moving forward.
Semien is under contract through 2028, with Polanco signed through 2027, so the Mets are in a bit of a bind if they don't improve.
The Mets have been high on Baty for a while, and he appeared poised to hit the ground running this season after posting a career-best .748 OPS (110 OPS+) last year while popping 18 home runs.
Baty also played a career-high 130 games last season, meaning that there was reason to believe that what he did was repeatable.
But it's been a struggle for Baty in 2026, with him hitting just .221/.297/.314 (.610 OPS) with four homers.
His advanced metrics are also mostly poor, meaning this can't be blamed on bad luck.
With this being Baty's fifth big league season, it will be very hard for the Mets to justify having him enter 2027 as an expected key piece of the offense if he doesn't turn it around in the second half.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 07: Blaze Alexander #23 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Chicago Cubs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 07, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Orioles fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
As unbelievable as this would have been when the Orioles acquired him or even at the end of April, the O’s now have to find a way to replace the production that’s been provided by Blaze Alexander at third base this season. Alexander’s hand fracture after being hit by a Royals pitcher on Sunday takes a solid defender and the team’s only .300+ hitter out of the picture for probably at least six weeks, longer if the team is unlucky.
Since we are in the middle of the All-Star break while this news is digested by the team, the Orioles do have a few days before they have to start to commit to a strategy of what to do with third base while Alexander is out. Camden Chat writer Tyler Young broke down the possibilities on the site yesterday. In this week’s survey, I want to know what you think they should do.
Are you still a Coby Mayo believer? Do you want to see Gunnar Henderson shift over to play third base? Is it time for 40-man player Christian Encarnacion-Strand to arrive on the major league roster? Or should the Orioles look outside the organization, as they did when they got Alexander in the first place? Vote in the survey below:
The Mike Elias brain trust is hard to predict. Sometimes they do the thing that makes the most sense based on information available to outsiders. Other times, they venture far afield, sometimes with good results and sometimes not. Getting Alexander in the first place was one of the “venture afield” things that has turned out well so far. The rest of this is trying to make the best of a bad situation.
What do you think? Results will be posted later in the week.
When the National League roster is announced at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14 for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, the Philadelphia Phillies will have six players introduced — and will likely receive the loudest positive welcome of all the players.
There will be one All-Star-caliber player from the hometown team missing, though.
Wheeler, who has recovered from thoracic outlet surgery in September, has once again pitched like one of baseball's top starting pitchers this season, despite missing all of spring training and most of the first month of the regular season. He went 10-1 in 15 starts in the first half, posting a 2.13 ERA in 93 innings pitched while recording 108 strikeouts.
Despite that success, he was one of the players snubbed from the original version of Dave Roberts' National League roster. He then declined the invitation from Major League Baseball on the fourth-to-last day of the first half to be a replacement player.
Here's a recap of it all:
Why is Zack Wheeler not in the MLB All-Star Game tonight?
It's a three-parter.
The first part is that Wheeler was not voted in by his fellow peers in the league. To some misconception, only positional players are voted into the All-Star Game by the fans, as pitchers are not included on the now-virtual ballots.
"The All-Star Game for pitchers is probably the most difficult because we really only get selected by our peers," former Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels told USA TODAY Sports this week. "... When you actually are having a good season, you want to get recognized for it because being an All-Star carries forward so far into not only your career, but your retirement, because those are the numbers that people recognize."
The second, and Wheeler said he'd be available despite it, is that MLB rules state a pitcher who starts the final game of the first half of the season is ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game just two days later.
Wheeler started against the Detroit Tigers on July 12, striking out 10 across six scoreless innings.
"I think it's kind of a B.S. rule that just because I pitch on a certain day, I get punished for it," Wheeler said about the MLB rule following his July 7 start against the Cincinnati Reds, where he tied a career-high 14 strikeouts.
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 8, 2026
The third, and this is the big one, is that once Major League Baseball reached out to him July 9 to be a replacement player, Wheeler felt disrespected that he wasn't asked to take someone else's spot earlier and instead was like a "fifth option." Therefore, he declined the 11th-hour invitation.
"Because they disrespected me," Wheeler said July 11 when he explained his decision. "So I’m just not gonna participate in that thing."
He added: "I’m not gonna be, like, the fifth option. Maybe I didn’t earn it at the, from the get-go, but maybe just second choice. Once I feel like they kind of messed that up, I’m out."
Wheeler being left off the National League roster, despite pitching like an All-Star, created quite the uproar among those within baseball, including former and current players.
"His numbers are better than mine, and I'm sitting here. I'll leave it at that," Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale told Foul Territory on July 13.
Chris Sale says Zack Wheeler not making the All-Star team is a "head-scratcher, to say the least."
"His numbers are better than mine, and I'm sitting here. I'll leave it at that." pic.twitter.com/oKIJ63YoAx
Meanwhile, San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb told reporters during the media day portion of July 11 All-Star Game events at Citizens Bank Park that he would have given Wheeler his spot.
"I would have given my spot to him for him to be here," Webb said. "He’s one of the best pitchers in baseball. Has been for a long time. It always sucks when guys who are deserving don’t make it. There was a couple of years when I didn’t make it and I thought I should have made it, but I don’t think I ever had stats that look like that."
Zack Wheeler stats
Wheeler holds a 10-1 record in 15 starts on the season to go along with a 2.13 ERA in 93 innings pitched and 108 recorded strikeouts. In his last five starts, Wheeler went 5-0 with a 1.91 ERA and struck out 60 hitters across 42 1/3 innings.
Jul 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) and left fielder Jackson Chourio (11) celebrate after both players scored run on a two run homer run by Turang against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Brewers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Welcome back to another edition of our Reacts Survey! This week, we’re asking fans to grade the first half of Milwaukee’s season.
After getting out to a hot start at 8-2, the Crew faltered a bit, falling to .500 though 26 games and jut 16-14 after the first month. Since that point, however, the Brewers have been one of the best teams in baseball. After going 19-7 in the month of May, they then went 17-10 in June before a 7-3 start to July. While they were swept by the Pirates in the final weekend of the first half, they still sit at 59-37 on the season, with a five-game lead atop the NL Central and the second-best record in baseball, behind only the 61-36 Dodgers.
With that in mind, how would you grade the Brewers’ first half? Weigh in below and stay tuned for results later this week!
