There are several notable MLB All-Star snubs this year, but Zack Wheeler might be the most egregious.
The Philadelphia Phillies ace has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, going 9-1 with a 2.28 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP and 4.3 WAR in 14 starts. He proved that again on Tuesday, dominating the Cincinnati Reds with 14 strikeouts over seven innings of one-run ball.
After the Phillies' 4-1 victory, Wheeler revealed his frustration at not making the NL All-Star team this year, apparently because his pitching schedule would make him unavailable to appear in the game.
Zack Wheeler didn't make the All-Star game, struck out 14 batters, then immediately called out MLB.@WapnerNewman pic.twitter.com/WsJBgGkecM
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 8, 2026
"I feel like that was kind of a reminder for whoever needs to be reminded," Wheeler said during his postgame interview. "It pisses me off and it's kind of BS. Maybe if I wasn't necessarily right in there, I wouldn't be saying this, but I feel like I've earned it... Just because I pitch on a certain day, I can't pitch in the All-Star Game or even be there, or get the recognition for it."
Wheeler is scheduled to pitch again on Sunday, which is the final game before the All-Star Break. Unfortunately for him, there's a rule that generally makes starters who pitch on that Sunday ineligible to appear in Tuesday's All-Star Game to help protect their health.
Regardless of whether Wheeler can appear in the game, he's right that he still deserves the honor and recognition as one of the best hurlers in the sport. While he already has three All-Star selections under his belt, he absolutely deserves a fourth and is right to be mad about it, especially when he's outperformed several pitchers who were chosen instead of him.