5 biggest MLB All-Star Game snubs after complete rosters released
By Scott Rogust
![ST LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 19: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres returns to the dugout after popping out against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth inning at Busch Stadium on September 19, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) ST LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 19: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres returns to the dugout after popping out against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth inning at Busch Stadium on September 19, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fa305271b46ee68af23c8359e1c3c15f0dcbadef979ff1d53483c1a1642e362c.jpg)
No. 4 biggest MLB All-Star Game snub: Rafael Devers, 3B, Red Sox
When it comes to the third base position in the American League, it’s essentially a foregone conclusion that either Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox or Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians will round out the depth chart. But this season, only one of them could make it onto the roster, due in part to Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers earning the starting nod.
So, Ramirez made the cut, while Devers missed out.
This year (as of this writing), Devers has the third-most RBIs among all American League players with 66, trailing Shohei Ohtani (68) and Adolis Garcia (67). Not to mention, he’s tied with Garcia for third-most home runs with 20.
On the year, Devers recorded a .256 batting average, a .326 on-base percentage, a .505 slugging percentage, a .831 OPS, 46 runs scored, and 80 hits.
Devers may not be on the roster right now, but he could be a replacement in case any AL player were to bow out of the All-Star Game.
No. 3 biggest MLB All-Star Game snub: Josh Naylor, 1B, Guardians
For the first base position on the American League team, a spot can essentially be reserved for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the Toronto Blue Jays, given his popularity. Guerrero missed out on the starting lineup, losing to Yandy Diaz of the Tampa Bay Rays. With that, Guerrero was named a reserve infielder in the All-Star Game.
With those two players, Josh Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians was snubbed.
Yes, the Guardians aren’t playing the best baseball this year in what has been a subpar outing from the entire AL Central division. But Naylor has joined Ramirez as one of Cleveland’s best hitters. His numbers are very good, especially amongst other first basemen in the AL.
Naylor has the second-highest batting average (.297) slugging percentage (.473), and OPS (.810), all behind Diaz. Naylor does lead all AL first basemen with 58 RBI, more than Guerrero’s 52. Additionally, Naylor put up a .337 on-base percentage, 10 home runs, 31 runs scored, and 81 RBI.
When it comes to first basemen who deserved a spot on the AL Roster, Naylor fits the bill.