6 AL Players Likely to Be Snubbed From All-Star Game

Major League Baseball released its first update of the American League All-Star Game ballot. There's not a lot to argue, but there are some guys who are performing with the best of them, but not getting a lot votes. Some of the best in the league this year could be at risk of being snubbed. Here are six deserving AL players who likely won't be on the All-Star team.

6. C Josh Phegley, Oakland A's

There's no doubt that Gary Sánchez will represent the AL behind the plate. It's not a deep position and Sánchez is having a monster year. As far as the second catcher goes, Houston's Robinson Chirinos is putting up big numbers and will likely earn that spot. But let's not be too quick to write off Oakland's Josh Phegley, who is hitting .258 with 8 home runs and 38 RBI. Is he more deserving of the backup role in the All-Star Game than Chirinos?

5. 3B Hunter Dozier, Kansas City Royals

Hunter Dozier is hitting .314 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI while leading his position in OPS (.987). However, he plays for the Kansas City Royals, who will likely have just one representative. Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi get a lot more attention and could get the nod over Dozier, whose All-Star campaign was plagued with a recent, but short, trip to the IL. After never hitting above the .230 mark in his career, Dozier exploded onto the scene in 2019.

4. 2B Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays

Second base is a pretty deep position this year, even with Jose Altuve missing quite a bit of time. Tommy La Stella is having a breakout season and is leading the voting, and DJ LeMahieu is leading the way for New York. However, Tampa Bay rookie Brandon Lowe is crushing it, as he's leading all qualified players at that position in home runs (14) and OPS (.884). The kid is a stud, but because of his lack of name recognition and the small Rays fanbase, he could be left off the roster.

3. SS Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox

Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson is having a breakout year, as he's hitting .314 with 9 home runs, 29 RBI and 15 stolen bases, but at one of the league's most star-studded positions it'll be hard for him to make it. After starting the year on fire and even boldly comparing himself to Jackie Robinson, Anderson finds himself at risk of being snubbed from the All-Star Game.

2. OF Max Kepler, Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have the top offense in the game and it's not even close. Several Twins players should be representing the AL, but will they make room for outfielder Max Kepler, who is hitting .263 with 15 home runs and 40 RBI? He's the catalyst at the top of the order and it seems every night he's going bridge. While he's not the most renowned player in the league, Kepler still deserves to be given credit for his stellar year.

1. DH/OF Hunter Pence, Texas Rangers

It would be a crying shame if Hunter Pence doesn't make AL squad for the Midsummer Classic. Not only is he helping the Texas Rangers become contenders, but he's turned his career around after seeming closer to retirement than a 20-home run season. Pence is hitting .284 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI. Still, there's a chance Pence ends up on the outside looking in, even though he's one of the great stories this season, because you can't overlook the work of teammates Mike Minor and the recently-injured Joey Gallo who have both been stellar.