Title: Uncovering the Overlooked Gems: Juan Soto’s Stellar 2025 Season and MLB’s Top Non-All-Star Performances
As baseball fans, we all love a good underdog story. So, when Juan Soto’s name was missing from the 2025 MLB All-Star Game roster despite his impressive stats of 38 home runs and 29 stolen bases, it raised eyebrows. Soto is on track to achieve the rare feat of a 40/30 season, a milestone only 15 players have reached in MLB history – all of whom were All-Stars in the same year. But Soto’s exclusion from the All-Star lineup has sparked a discussion on past instances where deserving players were overlooked.
Looking back at the past quarter-century, we find a handful of players whose standout performances were not recognized with an All-Star nod. These players, including the likes of Felix Hernandez, Blake Snell, and Justin Morneau, went on to achieve remarkable feats such as winning Cy Young or MVP awards, or posting high WAR numbers. Yet, they were left out of the All-Star festivities, much like Soto this year.
One notable mention is Felix Hernandez, whose dominant 2010 season with a 2.27 ERA and 6.7 fWAR culminated in an AL Cy Young Award, despite playing for a struggling team. Hernandez’s snub from the All-Star Game highlights the limitations of relying solely on traditional metrics to evaluate player performance.
Similarly, Jim Thome’s exceptional 2002 season, where he hit 52 home runs with a 7.4 bWAR, was overshadowed by the absence of a DH position in the All-Star Game hosted by an NL team. Thome’s omission sheds light on the challenges faced by players in different positions and league setups.
These instances serve as a reminder that baseball’s All-Star selection process is not flawless and can overlook deserving candidates. While Soto’s 2025 season may not lead to an All-Star nod, his performance, along with those of past non-All-Star standouts, showcases the depth of talent in the league beyond the All-Star roster.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding Juan Soto’s exclusion from the All-Star Game opens up a broader conversation about how we evaluate player performance and recognize excellence in baseball. As fans, we can appreciate the hidden gems and unsung heroes who shine bright on the field, even if they don’t always make the All-Star cut.
MLB: SEP 21 Indians at TwinsCincinnati Reds v Washington NationalsMLB: SEP 21 Cubs at Brewers
