Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Phillies make classy Cristopher Sanchez decision amid All-Star snub

By Lauren Amour | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 5:55 PM ET

Milwaukee Brewers' young pitching phenom Jacob Misiorowski was controversially named to the National League All-Star team on Friday after just five MLB starts.

His nomination raised questions about the integrity of the game, given that he had only made his big league debut on June 12.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez wasn't initially declared an All-Star and reportedly hasn't been asked to join the NL squad as a replacement, either.

Sanchez's omission is somewhat puzzling, as he has consistently been one of the best pitchers in the league this season. The 28-year-old has posted a 2.59 ERA with 29 walks and 116 strikeouts in 107.2 innings across 18 starts.

If he were to have been chosen as an All-Star, Sanchez would've activated a lucrative $50k bonus included in his contract.

The Phillies recognized that Sanchez certainly earned the additional money through his performance this season, and the organization has chosen to award their starter with the bonus anyway.

The Phillies have agreed to pay Cristopher Sánchez a $50,000 bonus in his contract for being an All-Star, Sánchez said. Nice gesture.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 12, 2025

Fellow Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez was allegedly asked to participate in the All-Star Game and declined the invitation. Sanchez reportedly didn't make it because he is scheduled to start Sunday against the San Diego Padres, and would not pitch on Tuesday in Atlanta, per MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

Given the strong reaction of his teammates to his All-Star snub, it's not surprising that Philadelphia elected to pay Sanchez.

Shortstop Trea Turner called it a "joke," and while outfielder Nick Castellanos quipped, "It’s turning into the Savannah Bananas."

Although Sanchez, who is scheduled to pitch on Sunday vs. the San Diego Padres, will likely not participate in the exhibition, at least the front office and his teammates have his back.

Lauren Amour

Lauren Amour is a writer and editor based in the Greater Philadelphia area. She works as an editor and writer at Yardbarker, covering MLB and the Philadelphia Phillies.

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