Zack Wheeler expresses frustration over All-Star snub after striking out 14 Reds: 'I feel like I've earned it'
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler is an All-Star snub, and he's far from the only person who thinks so. Following a dominant start over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday — in which Wheeler struck out 14 batters in a 4-1 win — the ace expressed his true feelings about missing out on the honor.
Wheeler, 36, didn't mince words, saying the snub "pisses me off," per The Athletic. He added, "I feel like I've earned it."
"I felt like that was a reminder," Wheeler said, "for whoever needs to be reminded. It pisses me off. It's kind of BS. Maybe if I wasn't necessarily right in (the All-Star mix), I wouldn't be saying this. But I feel like I've earned it."
He's not wrong. Wheeler has been fantastic after coming back from thoracic outlet decompression surgery this season. Through 14 starts, Wheeler has a 2.28 ERA. He's struck out 98 batters in 87 innings. Despite getting a late start to the season due to his recovery, Wheeler already ranks eighth among pitchers in bWAR.
Wheeler isn't the only one who feels he should be at the 2026 All-Star Game. Shortly after rosters were announced, Wheeler's agent — B.B. Abbott — called it "tone deaf" that the pitcher was left out of the mix.
To make matters worse, the 2026 All-Star Game will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. While five different Phillies were selected for the game and will play in front of their hometown fans, Wheeler won't get that honor.
There is, of course, still a way for Wheeler to be named to the All-Star team. Between now and Sunday, numerous players will likely drop out of the festivities, either due to injury, rest or other reasons. But even that comes with a catch for Wheeler.
Because he's set to take the mound Sunday, Wheeler would — by rule — not be able to pitch in the All-Star Game. That makes it unlikely he'll be asked to be a replacement for the contest.
Despite that rule, Wheeler said he would be willing to make himself eligible to throw an inning in the All-Star Game even if he takes the mound for the Phillies on Sunday, per CBSSports.com.
"I feel fine the second and third days (after a start), when I usually throw my bullpen," Wheeler added as he made his case to pitch in the All-Star Game. "So I'd be fine throwing an inning, but it's not even an option, I guess."
Barring MLB making some last-minute changes — or being willing to bend the rules — Wheeler seems unlikely to be an All-Star in 2026.
Throughout the history of the sport, there have been some high-profile All-Star snubs. That's going to happen when you have so many talented players vying for a select few roster spots.
But if Wheeler can keep pitching at this level, he could become the rare pitcher who wins the Cy Young Award despite not making the All-Star team. At this point, that might be the best payback Wheeler can get by missing out on the All-Star festivities.
