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Why Phillies' Cristopher Sanchez Loses More Than Honor in All-Star Game Snub

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 3:47 PM ET

One of the most prominent snubs from the All-Star team this season belongs to Philadelphia Phillies ace Cristopher Sanchez. The lefty starter has the statistics to earn such a spot, yet he isn't an All-Star.

With fewer pitchers making it over him, the snub stings a lot for Sanchez and the Phillies fan base. But, for Sanchez, the All-Star Game snub is much worse than losing honor; it has a financial impact.

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Sanchez has a clause in his contract that he can invoke a bonus whenever he makes the All-Star roster. But, with his snub this season, that bonus won't come into play.

"Sanchez," Gelb writes, "Who made the team last year, loses more than the honor of being a two-time All-Star. He has a lucrative bonus in his contract for making an All-Star team. Earlier in the week, Sanchez said he was upset not to have received the honor."

Sanchez is upset over not making the All-Star team, not just due to his frustration over not being acknowledged for a strong season, but also for the money he is losing.

The Phillies' lefty signed a four-year, $22.5 million deal through the 2028 season. He also has two team options for 2029 and 2030, for $14 million and $15 million, respectively.

He had the chance to waive restrictions put on pitchers who pitch on Sunday, two days before the All-Star game. However, he and the Phillies declined, citing health concerns.

It's a frustrating situation for Sanchez and the Phillies. With his 2.59 ERA, 7-2 record, and 116 strikeouts, he deserves a spot on the All-Star team.

However, even though he was offered the spot, he won't be an All-Star in the record books. Not only will he lose the ability to call himself a two-time, back-to-back All-Star, but he's also losing money by missing the All-Star game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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