5 Biggest NL All-Star Snubs
By Michael Luciano
The annual tradition of bashing the All-Star game reserves is here once agin, as the 2019 National League roster is replete with some egregious misses and some undeserving All-Stars by virtue of the "one All-Star per team" rule. It was hard narrowing this lis down to five bad misses, but the omission of these five players was extremely shocking.
5. Cole Hamels
The 35-year-old Hamels has aged like a fine wine in Wrigley, going 6-3 with a 2.98 ERA in 17 starts this season. Hamels' ERA is lower than that of Clayton Kershaw and Jacob deGrom, and is right on par with that of Zack Greinke. Hamels' omission is likely due to the slot reserved for the Miami Marlins being occupied Sandy Alcantara. He deserved the nod, even if he can't take the field, having just gone down with an oblique injury.
4. Fernando Tatis Jr.
In just 47 games, the 20-year-old dynamo has lived up to every bit of hype that he garnered as a top prospect. With a .335 average, 11 home runs, and 12 stolen bases, Tatis has emerged as a five-tool player that has the Padres positioned well for the future. You don't think he'd add a little more flair to the All-Star game than Paul DeJong?
3. Felipe Vázquez
The mandatory one All-Star per team statute has left a deserving Vázquez deprived of his deserved spot in the All-Star game. Giants closer Will Smith might have more saves (21) than Vasquez (19), but the Pirates ninth-inning fireman has a lower ERA and superior WAR than Smith. If the All-Star game was a pure meritocracy, Vázquez and his 100 mph fastball would be heading to Cleveland when the middle of July rolls around.
2. Max Muncy
Muncy is proving last year was no fluke, hitting .281 with 20 home runs and 57 RBI while starting every day at first base for a Los Angeles Dodgers team that is starting to pull away not just from the rest of the NL West, but from the rest of the National League as a whole. He's got the power and a decent average to pair with it, so what else does he have to do to earn a spot in the All-Star game?
1. Manny Machado
If I were a Padres fan, I'd be out for blood after it was announced Kirby Yates was their only All-Star. Clearly the best player on an extremely fun Padres team, Machado is hitting .279 with 19 home runs and 54 RBI while playing his usual excellent defense. Hitting .305 since May started, Machado has been mashing on-par with his usual numbers, but couldn't seem to eek out a spot in Cleveland. He'll be playing with a chip on his shoulder in the second half of the season.