American League Players Getting Snubbed From 2021 MLB All Star Game

Phase 1 of the 2021 MLB All Star Game Voting Ballot closes tonight. Here are players from the American League who are currently getting snubbed:

1B- Matt Olson, Oakland Athletics

Vladdy Guerrero Jr. has had a monster first half and deserves to be the starting first baseman for the American League, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for Olson on the team. The A’s first baseman is hitting .298 Avg, 20 HR, 53 RBI and .980 OPS. That’s ten more home runs, two more runs batted in and seventy-two OPS points higher than Houston Astros’ first baseman, Yuli Gurriel, who currently stands in second place. Olson has proven he can hit, but given he isn’t as popular, or as flashy, unfortunately might not make the cut.

2B- Whit Merrifield, Kansas City Royals

The Royals’ second baseman lacks power, but what he lacks in strength, he makes up with his speed and grit. Merrifield has twenty stolen bases on the year, making him a good option for pinch runner or even a late-inning defensive replacement. Also, let’s also not overlook his 41 RBI, which ties him at the top of that offensive department with the Astros’ Jose Altuve.

3B- Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Indians

Like Olson, Ramirez’s All-Star stock is suffering because he isn’t as flashy as Yoan Moncada or plays on a popular team like Alex Bregman. However, Ramirez sweet left-handed swing has generated a far superior season than Moncada and Bregman. Ramirez has slugged for 16 HR— trailing only Boston Red Sox’s Rafael Devers for the home run lead among American League third basemen. He also has driven in 44 runs, again second only to Devers among American League third basemen. Ramirez’s numbers speak for themselves, but unfortunately the fans don’t see it that way.

C- Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees

Yes, Sanchez’s defense isn’t the best, but what he lacks for on defense, he makes up with his bat. Given the pathetic offensive display from the catchers in the American League— except for Salvy Perez— the American League could use a power-hitting catcher to second Perez. Sanchez’s 12 home runs put him in third place among AL catchers and his .833 OPS is also tied for second among American League catchers. The Yankee backstop could serve as a designated hitter or a right-handed pinch hitter for the American League if needed.

DH- Nelson Cruz, Minnesota Twins

Speaking of sluggers, how about denying Cruz an All-Star opportunity? Yes, Shohei Ohtani has had a monster year and J.D. Martinez is solid, but Cruz isn’t too far behind. Cruz’s 16 home runs rank second among AL designated hitters and his .952 OPS is higher than Martinez’s and Houston’s Jordan Alvarez who currently holds third place in the standings. At 40 years old, Cruz has proven he can still crush big league pitching, but fans will probably not grant the veteran a seventh trip to the All-Star Game.

OF- Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros

With Mike Trout and Byron Buxton being on the IL, there might be hope for Tucker. His 13 home runs are tied for fourth place among American League outfielders while his 43 RBIs are good for third place among AL outfielders. Tucker is still young, so he will probably be on the ballot again next year, but that doesn’t lessen the fact that he deserves to make it past the first round of the All-Star voting.

OF- Mitch Haniger, Seattle Mariners

Like Olson and Ramirez, Haniger might also be suffering the curse of playing for a small market team. However, Haniger’s 16 home runs ranks third among AL outfielders and his 41 RBI puts him within the top 5 positions among AL outfielders. Haniger has put together a solid first half, but sadly, it looks like he won’t be making it past the first round of the fan voting.