All-Star Voting Leaves Braxton Ashcraft and Pirates Fuming
The 2026 MLB All-Star Game rosters have been announced, and the Pittsburgh Pirates have legitimate reasons to feel slighted. Relief pitcher Braxton Ashcraft, enjoying a breakout season, was notably absent from the National League squad—a decision that has sparked outrage among fans, analysts, and the Pirates organization itself. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on July 6 that the team is 'disappointed' that both Ashcraft and infielder Brandon Lowe were not selected.
Ashcraft's exclusion is particularly striking given his stellar numbers. Through July, the right-hander boasts a 9-3 record with a 3.24 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and an impressive 10.16 strikeouts per nine innings across 108.1 frames. According to Sports Illustrated, he ranks as the SP4 in fantasy baseball and sits eighth in NL Cy Young odds. Many argue that Ashcraft has outperformed even his celebrated teammate Paul Skenes, making his omission a head-scratcher.
The Pirates' Disappointment
The Pirates organization did not hide its frustration. In comments to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, team officials expressed dismay that two of their key contributors were overlooked. Brandon Lowe, who has provided consistent offensive production, joined Ashcraft on the snub list. While Lowe's numbers may not scream superstar, his All-Star case was solid within the context of a competitive NL infield.
A Small-Market Snub?
Observers have pointed to a recurring theme: players from smaller-market teams like Pittsburgh often struggle to receive the same recognition as those from powerhouse clubs. SI's analysis explicitly states that if Ashcraft were pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Mets, he would almost certainly be in Philadelphia for the Midsummer Classic. The All-Star selection process, which combines fan voting, player ballots, and managerial picks, appears to favor players from teams with larger fan bases.
Snubs Beyond Pittsburgh: Contreras, Wood, and Reynolds
Ashcraft is far from the only star left out. Boston's Willson Contreras, despite hitting .284 with 20 home runs and 59 RBIs, was denied a spot at first base. Contreras lost his starting job to Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz, yet many expected him to earn a reserve role.
Washington's James Wood, arguably the best hitter in the National League (.266 average, 23 home runs, 56 RBIs), will attend the game but not as a starter. The outfield slots went to Brandon Marsh, Juan Soto, and Andy Pages—all from teams with enormous fan bases.
Bryan Reynolds of the Pirates also missed out. The outfielder is hitting .282 with a .393 on-base percentage and leads the team in batting run value. His production ranks among the top six NL outfielders, but he was not voted in. Like Ashcraft, Reynolds appears to be a victim of the Pirates' small-market status.
The Fantasy Baseball Perspective
From a fantasy baseball standpoint, these snubs carry real weight. Ashcraft is a top-five fantasy pitcher this season, and his omission from the All-Star Game does not diminish his value—but it does highlight the disconnect between on-field performance and public recognition. For fantasy managers, the snub could serve as a buying opportunity if Ashcraft's market value dips temporarily. However, his consistent production suggests he remains a must-start in all formats.
The Bigger Picture: Does All-Star Voting Need Reform?
Every year, the All-Star Game generates controversy. The fan vote, which accounts for half of the starting lineup, tends to reward popularity over performance. Players from large-market teams often receive disproportionate support, while deserving candidates from smaller markets fall through the cracks. The player ballot and manager selections aim to correct this, but as Ashcraft's case shows, the system still fails.
What This Changes
For the Pirates, these snubs could galvanize the team. History shows that overlooked players often use the slight as motivation. The 2026 season is still young, and both Ashcraft and Reynolds have opportunities to make the postseason—a far greater prize than an All-Star nod.
For MLB, the controversy adds pressure to revise the selection process. Potential reforms include increasing the weight of player and coach ballots, implementing a statistical threshold for automatic selection, or expanding rosters to accommodate more deserving players. Until then, debates like this one will recur annually.
The Path Ahead
Braxton Ashcraft remains focused on the Pirates' playoff push. His 9-3 record and elite peripherals suggest he could be a dark horse for the Cy Young award. If he continues at this pace, he will not only silence critics but also force the baseball world to rethink its metrics for All-Star worthiness.
In the meantime, fans in Pittsburgh have reason to be proud. Their team may not have received All-Star recognition, but the performance on the field speaks louder than any vote. As the second half of the season begins, Ashcraft and the Pirates have a chance to prove that the ultimate accolade is not a midseason exhibition but a championship.
For more on this year's biggest snubs and how they compare to other sports, check out our coverage of the Liberty vs. Wings: Bueckers and Stewart Duel in Pivotal WNBA Showdown and World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals Set: Spain, Argentina, England Among Eight Left.
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