Now that the 2025 MLB All-Star rosters have been finalized, it’s time to take a look at which players got the short end of the stick. We’ve already looked at players on the National League side. Now, let’s take a look at five American League players who could be considered snubs.
Junior Caminero
In the American League, there weren’t many issues with regards to which hitters are going to Atlanta. Eleven of the AL’s top 13 qualified hitters in terms of OPS were named to the game. The only two who weren’t were Rafael Devers, now with the Giants, and a certain Blue Jays outfielder who I’ll get to in a minute.
However, Junior Caminero — while not among those 13 — has been an incredible story this season for the Rays.
The 22-year-old is fourth in the American League in home runs (21), thanks in large part to continued excellence over the last two months. Caminero belted 15 of those from May 1 onward, tied with teammate Brandon Lowe for fifth in the Junior Circuit.
Caminero played a key role in helping the Rays hold down a playoff spot for the last month. And with Alex Bregman on the IL, it’s not out of the question that he could be a replacement for the Red Sox infielder.
Carlos Estevez
The Royals will send starter Kris Bubic to Atlanta. However, there are arguments to be made for both Seth Lugo and Carlos Estevez. Lugo’s been one of the best starters over the last few weeks, while Estevez has been a reliable reliever.
Estevez is second among AL pitchers in saves (24), one behind 2025 All-Star Josh Hader. He’s also been highly reliable in that role, as Estevez — who doesn’t strike out many batters — has blown just three save chances.
However, should have Estevez beat out Hader, Andres Munoz, or Aroldis Chapman? Probably not. It is, however, a shame he couldn’t nab a spot.
Carlos Rodon
Next up are two starters who had strong All-Star cases, starting with Carlos Rodon.
Rodon, who struggled two years ago in his first season with the Yankees, has turned a corner. The 32-year-old ranked third among American League pitchers in total strikeouts (127), behind only Tarik Skubal (148) and Garrett Crochet (151). And, Rodon’s been one of the most unhittable pitchers in the AL.
Only Hunter Brown (.180) has a better opponent’s batting average (.187) than Rodon.
The Yankees left-hander turned a corner thanks in large part to his ability to adapt, working in a two-seamer and changeup to mix it up, after largely being a four-seamer/slider pitcher with the Giants. It’s worked, to say the least.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for him to join Max Fried in Atlanta.
Joe Ryan
Only one player from the Twins made it to Atlanta (for now). That would be Byron Buxton, who easily deserved that nomination. Buxton has already hit the 20 home run marker, and with 16 stolen bases, could hit the 30-30 marker for the first time in his career.
However, Joe Ryan is arguably the biggest snub among American League players.
Ryan, who’s added a two-seamer into his sneaky, yet powerful arsenal, has been one of the best pitchers in the American League this season. The right-hander, as of July 7, is fifth in the AL with 116 strikeouts, fifth in opponent’s batting average (.193), and third in WHIP (.89).
The only AL pitcher with better numbers among all three metrics was Tarik Skubal.
George Springer
The last month has seen George Springer turn the clock back, and it’s not hyperbole to say this has been the best he’s performed since that playoff run back in 2017.
Since June 1, Springer batted .318/.374/.564 (.938 OPS) with eight home runs and 30 RBI. Those 30 runs batted in were tied for second in the American League with Cal Raleigh, and one behind Riley Greene. And in total, Springer is one of 15 players in the Majors with 15+ home runs and 10+ stolen bases.
Springer’s bat speed is back in form, as the 73.1 MPH average is his best since Statcast has begun tracking it. It came at a welcome time, as the 35-year-old has been a key piece for a Jays team that stormed their way to first place in the AL East.
Check out more of our MLB coverage, including a look at notable National League All-Star snubs.