Juan Soto is expected to complete the 2025 MLB season with over 40 home runs, more than 30 stolen bases, upwards of 100 RBIs, at least 100 runs scored, and over 100 walks. Only Barry Bonds and Jeff Bagwell have previously achieved this statistical combination in a single season. Despite these numbers, Soto was not selected as an All-Star this year.
Soto’s omission highlights how timing and other factors can influence All-Star selections. Players who excel early in the season or benefit from strong fan support are more likely to be named All-Stars. However, some players deliver standout performances later in the year or play positions crowded with talent and do not receive such recognition.
The article presents a list of players who were not chosen as All-Stars but have delivered notable seasons. For example, Shea Langeliers of the Athletics reached 30 home runs but William Contreras was recognized for playing more games despite injury and being key to his team’s success. Contreras has posted a .263/.359/.408 batting line and above-average defense by fielding run value.
Other players mentioned include Michael Busch of the Cubs; Ben Rice of the Yankees, who contributed during Giancarlo Stanton’s absence; Tyler Soderstrom of the Athletics; Josh Naylor; Bryce Harper, who has an .852 OPS with 25 home runs and 31 doubles; Brice Turang at second base with significant contributions for Milwaukee; Bo Bichette; Trea Turner leading the NL in hits while improving defensively; Matt Chapman delivering consistent performance despite injuries; Cody Bellinger providing strong all-around play for the Yankees after similar results with Chicago last year.
Bellinger has been described as possibly “the most valuable Yankee not named Aaron Judge,” excelling both offensively and defensively across all outfield positions with a .277/.334/.500 slash line approaching career highs in several categories.
Roman Anthony matched Guardians’ Steven Kwan in fWAR (2.7) despite playing only 71 games before an oblique injury. George Springer rebounded from a down year to post career-best adjusted OPS+ (153) and weighted runs created plus (158).
Cristopher Sánchez did not make the initial NL All-Star roster but could be considered for Cy Young honors after posting a 2.57 ERA across over 182 innings pitched. Jhoan Duran also had strong numbers as a reliever yet was never named an All-Star.
The piece notes that some players arrive too late or are affected by injuries or positional depth when it comes to midseason recognition but still make major impacts on their teams’ seasons.
“Essentially, the Yankees have gotten the same impact from Bellinger that the Cubs received in 2023, when he finished 10th in NL MVP voting. (Interestingly, he wasn’t an All-Star for the Cubs in ’23, either.)”
“Bellinger has arguably been the most valuable Yankee not named Aaron Judge, playing all three outfield positions well while delivering a .277/.334/.500 slash and closing in on 30 homers, 25 doubles and 100 RBIs.”
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