Four Rays Players Who Were Snubbed From the 2026 MLB All-Star Game

The Tampa Bay Rays are set to be well represented at this year's MLB All-Star Game. 

However, there are still a few names who missed the cut but absolutely belong at Citizens Bank Park next week during the Midsummer Classic. As Tampa Bay picked up 4 selections with Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz, Drew Rasmussen and Bryan Baker, you can surely make an argument for 4 more Rays players who were snubbed from making the American League team. 

Even the Rays manager sounded off on the idea following the announcement of the All-Star selections. Although the organization should be ecstatic that the team will be spotlighted during the game, it's hard not to be angry at those who missed out. 

Kevin Cash, in an interview before the weekend, believes that 3 more pitchers in this impressive staff, such as Shane McClanahan, Kevin Kelly and Nick Martinez, as well as Jonathan Aranda, should also have been selected. 

"I think they're all All-Star worthy," Cash said. "I hope there's some consideration moving forward. I know guys can't go for whatever reason, and I hope our guys are considered, because they've performed like All-Stars for us."

The biggest snub certainly feels like Nick Martinez. The starting pitcher has some major statistics that rival those of the top arms in the American League, including Drew Rasmussen, who was selected to his second All-Star Game and is one of the 3 favorites for the Cy Young Award. Martinez was once seen as not only an All-Star pick earlier this year, but as a potential player who could start the game. Instead, he misses out entirely. If a player opts out, Martinez should be the first alternate for the junior circuit. 

Both Shane McClanahan and Kevin Kelly also make very strong cases to make the All-Star squad as well. McClanahan, who is pitching for the first time in nearly two seasons, has looked great on the mound. His 3.05 ERA might have been the reason he was left out, but his 1.17 WHIP, 77 strikeouts over 79 innings, and limited home runs allowed should have made him a viable candidate. 

Kelly is second in the American League with 18 holds on the year. He also has 4 saves, while Erik Sabrowski of the Cleveland Guardians, who is leading the holds stats, has 0. Kelly has excelled in every position Kevin Cash has put him in this season and has truly solidified the back end of the bullpen alongside Baker. 

Jonathan Aranda could possibly find himself making the team after a solid first half of the season. Entering Monday he has a slash line of .287/.388/.452 with 13 homers and a team leading 58 RBIs. With Toronto Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opting out, an opening could help him make the squad.