3 biggest Phillies All-Star snubs
Entering the 2023 season following the teams dramatic run to the World Series, one would have assumed the Phillies would have a handful of players representing the team in the Midsummer Classic. With a star studded roster which includes notable names like Bryce Harper, JT Realmuto, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, it was easy to envision this scenario playing out. However the year has been a bit of a mixed bag to this point; and most of the team has not played to their full potential.
The Major League Baseball All-Star game rosters were announced on Sunday, and Nick Castellanos is the lone player on the roster that got the call to play in the All Star game. Which when you take a look back at the disappointment Nick's first season in Philadelphia was, it has been a pretty cool resurgence story.
With that said, there are a few different Phillies who could have (and probably should have?) received the honor of being named an All-Star. Let's take a dive into these players and present their case to take part in the Midsummer Classic.
1. Brandon Marsh
Since Shane Victorino was traded to the Dodgers at the 2012 Trade Deadline, it has felt as if the Phillies have had a revolving door in Centerfield. From trading for Ben Revere, selecting Odúbel Herrera in the Rule 5 Draft, and spending top 10 draft picks on Mickey Moniak and Adam Haseley; it felt that whatever route the Phillies went, Center Field remained a major concern.
Enter Brandon Marsh.
At the 2022 Trade Deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies decided to move one of their top prospects in Catcher Logan O'Hoppe to the Los Angeles Angels for the quirky former top 100 prospect. The initial response from fans was questionable at best, as Marsh had really struggled with the Angels, and looked as if he was on the path to be a bust. However, the change of scenery has actually worked wonders for the 25 year old ; as Marsh has been a breathe of fresh air for the Phils.
Coming off a strong second half in Philadelphia where he slashed .288/.319/.455 and helped lead the Phillies to the National League Pennant, Marsh's strong play has continued. Entering July 4th, Marsh is hitting .276 with an .811 OPS all the while playing strong defense in center field. He currently leads the Phillies roster in WAR at 2.1; which also places him fifth in the National League amongst center fielders.
Marsh has been especially strong against right handed pitching, where he has slashed .298/.384/.486 with 20 extra base hits. His walk rate has also increased substantially in 2023, going from 6.1% last season to 10.8%.
Ultimately it is understandable that he did not receive the call, but there is a case to be made for Marsh where he could have easily been a representative and joined Nick Castellanos in Seattle.
2. Craig Kimbrel
At first glance, you might think it's crazy to suggest Philadelphia Phillies reliever Craig Kimbrel should be heading to Seattle for his ninth All-Star appearance. His 3.60 ERA doesn't really jump off the page; and if you do not follow the Phils closely, it would be easy to overlook the veteran right hander.
However if you have been paying attention this season, you would know that Kimbrel has been otherworldly since the beginning of May; and very well might be the best reliever in the sport since then.
Since May 9th, Craig Kimbrel has appeared in 23 games in red pinstripes and has pitched to a 1.17 ERA in that time. He has struck out 39 hitters while only walking five in 23 innings of work; and opponents have hit .115 with an OPS of .393 (!!!). The Phillies are 19-4 in those games. Basically, Kimbrel has been absolutely disgusting.
Signed to a one-year, $10 million dollar contract this past offseason, Kimbrel has been worth every penny in Philadelphia, and likely is pitching himself into one last multi year contract as he enters the twilight of his career. He has locked down the closer role for the Phils, and has allowed Rob Thomson to have bullpen flexibility, where he can unleash Jose Alvarado and Gregory Soto in high leverage situations.
3. Bryce Harper
This last one feels like it shouldn't need any justification; but in all honesty, Bryce Harper really hasn't posted All-Star numbers in 2023. But really, who cares? Easily one of the biggest and most marketable stars in the sport, Harper should be a lock to represent the Philadelphia Phillies every year in the Midsummer Classic.
In all seriousness, missing the first month of the season didn't do the two time MVP any favors and his power stroke has remained absent in 2023. With that said, it is still Bryce Harper, and it is not as if he has been bad this season. Entering the day, Harper is hitting .297 and has posted an OPS of .801. The OPS numbers are inflated by his .396 on base percentage, but I am not going to bury a guy for getting on base at such a high clip. Overall, really not to shabby for a guy coming off Tommy John surgery.
Now I know, the All-Star game is dictated by your performance for the current season; but when you consider how steady Harper has been this year along with just how dominant of a postseason run he had in 2022 helping carry the Phillies to the National League Pennant, you would think he would be a shoe-in to join Nick Castellanos in Seattle.
Entering Wednesday, the Phillies sit 45-39 and are one game back in the Wild Card race; so I guess that fans can spin it in a way of getting Bryce off his feet for the week sets him up for a huge second half push; with the goal of returning to the postseason a real possibility for the franchise.