Zack Wheeler gives blunt response to not being named All-Star

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Zack Wheeler gives blunt response to not being named All-Star

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 8, 2026 11:28 AM ET

Zack Wheeler isn't hiding his frustration.

Despite putting together another Cy Young-caliber first half and ranking among the National League's most dominant pitchers, the Philadelphia Phillies ace was left off the 2026 MLB All-Star roster.

Now, Wheeler is speaking out about the surprising snub, making it clear he believes his performance deserved a spot in Philadelphia.

Zack Wheeler sounds off on ASG snub

After a dominant outing on Tuesday that saw Wheeler go seven innings while allowing just one run and striking out 14 batters, Wheeler expressed his frustration with the MLB's selection process.

Wheeler is scheduled to make one last start prior to the All-Star break, making him ineligible to be a selection. The Philadelphia ace told reporters exactly how he felt about being snubbed.

"It pisses me off and it's kind of BS," Wheeler told reporters after Tuesday's dominant outing.

Zack Wheeler said it "pisses me off" that he wasn't named an All-Star, and being ruled ineligible to pitch in the game due to his start on Sunday is a "BS rule."

"You figure they'd have a clue about it by now with how many All-Star Games they've had." pic.twitter.com/gTWLXlxiAF
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 8, 2026

Zack Wheeler undoubtedly deserves to be an All-Star

Wheeler returned from what some thought may be a career ending injury and has looked as dominant as ever. After Tuesday's outing, Wheeler improved to 9-1 with a 2.28 ERA and 98 strikeouts across 14 starts and 87 innings pitched.

Even if he weren't able to pitch in the game, a selection and recognition of his stellar work this was deserved and should not have been disregarded.

The MLB All-Star Game needs a complete selection revamp

Wheeler was one of many snubs across MLB, due to an extremely flawed fan selection process. For example, prior to his injury announcement, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was slated to be the starting first baseman.

Guerrero hasn't even been the best first baseman in his division, as that belongs to Ben Rice of the New York Yankees. An undeserving fan vote starter happened at other positions and has happened for the last several years.

It is a glaring problem that MLB needs to look at and address prior to the 2027 All-Star Game.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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