Introduction

As Major League Baseball looks back at the rosters of the 2025 All-Star Game, one glaring omission continues to bewilder fans and analysts alike: Juan Soto. With a staggering record of 38 home runs and 29 stolen bases, Soto is on track to achieve the rare 40/30 campaign, a feat accomplished by only 15 players in MLB history, each of whom was named an All-Star during their respective seasons. Yet, Soto was left off the roster, igniting conversations around one of the most egregious snubs in recent memory.

The Case Against Soto's Exclusion

When the All-Star reserves were announced, Soto's absence was particularly striking, especially considering his top 10 ranking in bWAR among National League position players. Despite expectations that he would be selected, he found himself sidelined in favor of Kyle Stowers, who was named Miami's mandatory representative. This decision raised eyebrows across the baseball community, prompting discussions about similar instances from the past where deserving players were unjustly left out of the prestigious game.

Notable Snubs in Recent History

Juan Soto isn't the first player to be considered an All-Star in retrospect. Over the past quarter-century, numerous players who excelled during the season found themselves excluded from the All-Star Game. Here are a few of the most notable omissions:

• Blake Snell (2023): Despite a remarkable season and winning the NL Cy Young, Snell was not an All-Star.
• Robbie Ray (2021): Ray's impressive numbers and award-winning performance were overshadowed by the roster selections.
• Jimmy Rollins (2007): Rollins, who would later win the NL MVP, was left off the All-Star roster despite an outstanding season.
• Paul Goldschmidt (2015): With impressive stats and team leadership, Goldschmidt was another victim of roster decision-making.
• J.D. Drew (2004): Consistently outperforming his contemporaries, Drew's exclusion caused a stir among fans.

The discussion around these omissions not only highlights Soto’s exclusion but also reflects the challenges and sometimes controversial nature of All-Star selections.

Conclusion

As Juan Soto continues to accumulate impressive stats and deliver stellar performances, his absence from the All-Star Game remains a topic of contention. With the baseball community rallying around the sentiment that Soto deserved a nod, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexity behind All-Star selections and the importance of recognizing player contributions fairly.