*Photo from Cleveland.com*
When MLB announced the all star finalists, a lot of people weren't happy with some of the selections, myself included. Here are the biggest snubs from the all star game this year.
*Note* These players can still be named reserves for their respective leagues
Dan Vogelbach, DH, Seattle Mariners
*Photo from NBC Chicago*
Yes, the three nominees for DH deserve it, but Vogelbach has been the only bright spot for the Mariners this year. He is first in OBP and WAR among DH's, and only trails Jorge Soler and Edwin Encarnacion for the DH lead in homers, with 18.
Pete Alonso, 1B, New York Mets
*Photo from CBS Sports*
Alonso became the first rookie in NL history to hit 25 homers in his team's first 75 games. He has broken the Mets rookie homer record, and probably will break the Mets' single season homer record too. He is second in the NL in homers, and is in the top 10 in almost every major offensive category. This man should've been an all star.
Brandon Lowe, 2B, Tampa Bay Rays
*Photo from DRays Bay*
Lowe has been one of the best second basemen in baseball. He is tied for first in the AL in homers and WAR among second basemen, leads in slugging percentage, and is a main contributor to the upstart Rays this season. He also has an .863 OPS.
Xander Bogaerts, SS, Boston Red Sox
*Photo from the Boston Herald*
Bogaerts mentioned his lack of support this week, and he has a case for it too. He has the 4th highest WAR in the league, has a .928 OPS, has been one of the Red Sox' clutch hitters this year, and is having a career year. This just adds to the fact that he is the most underrated shortstop in baseball.
Paul Dejong, SS, St.Louis Cardinals
*Photo from CBS Sports*
Dejong is in the top 10 of baseball in WAR, has an improved walk rate, which shows plate discipline has improved as well. He also is playing fantastic defense and is a whole new player from last year. There is an amazing crop of Shortstops in the NL, but Dejong should be an all star.
Matt Chapman, 3B, Oakland Athletics
*Photo from NBC Sports*
Chapman is probably the best defensive third baseman in baseball, right next to Nolan Arenado. He is second in the 3rd base ranks in homers, and has a terrific WAR. He also has an .867 OPS. I think Chapman deserved the nomination more than Hunter Dozier, or even Gio Urshela.
Max Kepler, OF, Minnesota Twins
*Photo from Pioneer Press*
Kepler's breakout is a reason why the Twins are the best team in the AL. He has 19 homers and a .916 OPS. Only Mike Trout has been a better outfielder in the AL then Kepler in terms of WAR, so he should be on this list.
Tommy Pham, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
*Photo from DRays Bay*
Pham noted that the Rays get no respect. The list of finalists supports what Pham said. He has been one of the Rays best players, with a .898 OPS and 11 homers. Only Mike Trout has a better OBP, and Trout and Kepler are the only outfielders in the AL with a higher WAR then Pham. He should be in Cleveland.
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