Our colleague John Buhler at our parent site FanSided had an article last night after the rosters were announced for the MLB All-Star Game in Los Angeles that will take place next week.
He had his list of the five biggest snubs but there are plenty of more snubs from the roster so here is our list of five more snubs from the rosters.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith
This current era of catchers are not a very good hitting bunch. In fact, only seven teams entered Sunday with a wRC+ above 100, or offensive production above league average, at the catching position.
In other words, when there’s a catcher having a good offensive season, that catcher is usually going to be on the team. When that catcher plays for the team that is hosting the game, it is even more surprising. That’s what makes Will Smith’s omission so surprising.
Entering Sunday, Smith was hitting .258/.351/.452 in 71 games with 13 home runs and 40 RBI. His 129 wRC+ was the third-highest among catchers in all of baseball with at least 200 plate appearances and second-highest among NL catchers with at 200 plate appearances.
As with all of these players, Smith very well could make the team as an injury replacement or (for pitchers) as a replacement for someone who makes a start on Sunday but it was a bit surprising to not see Will Smith among the reserve players on the National League All-Star roster.