Juan Soto, the standout slugger for the New York Mets, has been unexpectedly left off the 2025 MLB All-Star roster despite putting together an MVP-caliber season. As the All-Star Game approaches in Atlanta, Soto’s absence has ignited widespread frustration among fans, teammates, and analysts who argue his performance clearly merits inclusion. This Juan Soto All-Star snub has become a significant talking point, exposing concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the current voting system.

Soto’s season numbers showcase excellence. Through 93 games, he has compiled 21 home runs, 53 RBIs, and holds a .901 OPS. His on-base percentage sits at an elite .399, driven by 75 walks, solidifying his role as one of Major League Baseball’s most dangerous offensive weapons. Yet, despite these statistics, he was overlooked in the initial All-Star selections, leaving many to question the voting process.

This dissonance between Soto’s output and recognition has triggered sharp reactions, particularly from those closest to him on the Mets squad. Veteran reliever Edwin Diaz voiced his disappointment over the snub in a recent interview, emphasizing Soto’s impact on the field and the emotional toll of the omission on his teammates.

“Yeah, we thought he was making the AS again… he’s been one of the best hitters in the league. You know, he’s got like 20, 21 homers, a lot of RBIs… I think he deserves to be in the AS, you know, and as a teammate, you know, you feel bad.” —Edwin Diaz, Mets pitcher

Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza Voices His Displeasure

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has not held back his sentiments either. Recognizing Soto as the team’s most valuable player this season, Mendoza expressed hope that circumstances, such as injury-related roster changes, might eventually grant Soto a spot in the All-Star Game. His frustration reflects a broader consensus within baseball circles that Soto’s contributions on both offense and defense should not be ignored.

From a statistical standpoint, Soto’s overall value is apparent. He carries a 3.9 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), a metric that measures the total contribution of a player to his team compared to a replacement-level player. Soto’s blend of high-level defense and elite hitting underlines the rarity of a player of his caliber being excluded from the midsummer classic.

With injuries expected to shuffle All-Star rosters, there remains a chance for Soto to be added as a replacement, a scenario that fans and commentators alike are advocating for. The debate over his exclusion shines a light on deeper issues within the MLB voting system—does it truly reflect performance, or are other factors skewing results?

Support From Across the Baseball Community

The reaction to Soto’s All-Star snub has extended beyond New York, capturing the attention of baseball veterans and analysts nationwide. In an unusually vocal stance from a rival franchise legend, Jimmy Rollins, a former MVP and three-time All-Star for the Philadelphia Phillies, publicly defended Soto’s credentials despite their historic on-field rivalry.

Rollins acknowledged Soto’s slow start this season but affirmed the star’s current status as an All-Star based on his outstanding on-base percentage and slugging ability. His endorsement stands out because it departs from the typical hometown bias, instead focusing on Soto’s undeniable impact across the league.

“He got off to a slow start… big contract… seems like he’s down.” —Jimmy Rollins, former Phillies player

“He is an All-Star. He shows up—on-base percentage, slugging, the things you want.” —Jimmy Rollins, former Phillies player

Rollins’ perspective lends credibility to the argument that the current selection method has failed to reward Soto’s hard-earned achievements. His defense underscores a growing call for reforming the voting criteria to better capture the true performances of players rather than relying on reputation or popularity contests.

Implications for MLB Voting Procedures and the Future

The controversy surrounding Juan Soto’s All-Star omission raises critical questions about the integrity and transparency of MLB’s voting system. If a player with ranking in walks (1st), on-base percentage (3rd), and OPS (8th) is denied All-Star recognition, it signals a potential disconnect between statistics and selection.

The enduring outrage from fans, fellow players, and even broadcasters suggests that the system may require immediate reassessment to avoid further undermining the meritocratic nature of the sport. This uproar could push league officials to consider new voting methodologies or incorporate additional performance metrics to ensure deserving players are fairly recognized.

While Soto’s current exclusion from the All-Star roster is a perplexing anomaly, his season remains a testament to excellence. Whether he ultimately receives an injury replacement invitation or continues the season unnoticed by the All-Star spotlight, his production is shaping expectations for postseason dominance. In the meantime, pitchers facing him on the mound remain well aware of the formidable threat Juan Soto represents.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Juan Soto a free-agent in 2025?

A. “I need to perform better,” he mentioned, according to Jon Heyman from the New York Post. At 26 years old, he is playing his debut season with the Mets. He joined the team by signing a 15-year contract worth $765 million as a free agent in December 2024, marking the biggest deal in MLB history.

Q. What is Juan Soto’s bat speed?

A. Ramos and Soto initially had bat speeds over 75 mph, placing them in the top 25. Their speeds decreased to over 73 mph, but they still rank in the top 75, which is well above the league average of 71.6 mph. Soto maintains exceptional bat speed even after the reduction.

Q. How much will Juan Soto make in 2025?

A. Juan Soto currently has the largest contract. He signed a 15-year, $765 million agreement with the New York Mets in December. Starting in 2025, his $61.88 million salary will make him the top earner in baseball history.