Recently, the Philadelphia Phillies chartered a separate jet to fly from California to Atlanta for the All-Star Game, anticipating a sizable group of players to represent the team. While they hoped for a turnout larger than the franchise-record of eight players honored in 2024, only Kyle Schwarber was named an All-Star. "It’s unfortunate," Schwarber remarked, expressing his desire for his teammates to join him in this prestigious event. "We know what we have, and I think that we’re grateful for what we have."
Following the Phillies' 4-2 loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, the mood in the clubhouse shifted from disappointment to anger. The announcement that Jacob Misiorowski, a rookie pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, was selected as an All-Star sparked outrage. "What a joke," said Trea Turner. "That’s f— terrible. I mean, that’s terrible, dude." Meanwhile, J.T. Realmuto added, "Nothing against the Misiorowski kid, but those two [Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez] are deserving of being on the team in the first place. There’s no doubt."
The controversy highlights a growing divide between how players view the significance of the All-Star accolade and how the league approaches the exhibition game. Veteran players like Turner voiced their concerns, stating that the selection process seems to prioritize marketing over merit. "It’s not the All-Star Game in the sense that the best players go there; it’s whoever sells the most tickets or has been put on social media the most," he asserted.
Sánchez boasts a 2.59 ERA, ranking fourth-lowest in the National League, and he stands sixth in WAR among NL starting pitchers, according to FanGraphs. Unfortunately, his upcoming start for the Phillies made him ineligible for the All-Star Game. The league clarified that a replacement player can only be added if they agree to pitch, a stipulation that left Sánchez unable to claim his All-Star status. "If he’s not an All-Star," Turner emphasized, "then no one is."
The disappointment felt by the Phillies players is compounded by the financial implications for Sánchez, who risks losing out on a lucrative bonus tied to making the All-Star team. "When they announce guys on the field, when it’s the throwback day or the 10-year reunion," Schwarber noted, "it’s, ‘He was an X-time All-Star.’”
Suárez, who recently pitched 6 2/3 innings against the Padres, was approached by MLB about attending the All-Star Game. However, he declined, wishing to prepare for the second half of the season. His 1.94 ERA is the lowest among NL pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched, indicating his deserving status as an All-Star. Yet, his choice to prioritize rest means he, too, won’t receive the recognition he deserves. "Even if you’re going to ask him that, then he should be labeled an All-Star at that point," Schwarber said.
The process by which MLB selects All-Star replacements remains unclear, leading to frustration among players. In the past, the league has focused on replacements willing to commit to pitching, although it’s not guaranteed they would actually participate. The All-Star rosters are typically constructed through a combination of fan voting, player voting, and commissioner selections. Every team must have at least one representative, which complicates the potential for the best players to be recognized.
Castellanos criticized the current approach, stating, "Major League Baseball is really just focusing on the most marketable players." The selection of Misiorowski seems to reinforce this notion, with the league prioritizing players who can generate buzz and attract viewership. "They’re going to think it’s getting more popular," he added.
Despite the disappointment surrounding the All-Star selections, the Phillies organization hopes for their pitchers to gain recognition and accolades. Star pitcher Zack Wheeler also opted out of the All-Star Game, choosing to maintain his routine and prioritize his health for the remainder of the season. "He wants to do what’s right by the club," said Phillies manager Rob Thomson.
Ultimately, the Phillies players face a dilemma: they want their pitchers to be honored yet also require rest heading into the second half of the season. The situation with Sánchez is particularly disheartening for the organization. "That’s unacceptable that they can’t name him an All-Star and do the same thing to replace him," Turner concluded. "So the only excuse that that guy’s not in the All-Star Game is that he can’t pitch that day? That’s terrible."
