4 Cardinals unfairly snubbed from the All-Star Game

The St. Louis Cardinals' first half has certainly been a bumpy ride, but with the best record in the National League since Mother's Day, just one All-Star representative in Ryan Helsley seems a bit unfair. After Helsley announced he won't be participating in the All-Star Game, fans won't see a single Cardinal take the field in Arlington. At 50-46, they currently own the second Wildcard spot and the fifth-best record in the NL, so how come they only have a single All-Star? Here are four Cardinals players unfairly snubbed from the All-Star Game in 2024.

Sonny Gray was snubbed from the All-Star Game

Signed to a 3-year $75 million contract to lead the Cardinals starting rotation, Sonny Gray has been worth every penny to start his tenure in St. Louis. Despite missing some time due to injury, Gray has been fantastic, recording a 3.34 ERA in 17 starts. His FIP (fielding independent pitching) of 2.56, however, indicates he's gotten quite unlucky in the first half. Still, his phenomenal rate of 10.9 strikeouts per 9 innings and great run prevention should've gotten him his 4th career nod.

Compared to other All-Stars Tyler Glasnow, Logan Webb, Hunter Greene, and others, Gray had a real case to pitch in Arlington, but perhaps his two missed starts at the beginning of the season were all the difference. After all, the only stat Gray lags behind the other starters is wins-above-replacement (WAR). With the important pitching stats similar to many All-Star starting pitchers in the National League,

Willson Contreras was snubbed from the All-Star Game

Had Willson Contreras not been unfortunately struck by JD Martinez's swing, fracturing his arm in early May, he'd be a lock for the All-Star Game. However, since he was sidelined for several weeks, Contreras was passed up by his brother William and Will Smith of the Dodgers. However, a third catcher should've been added to the roster and it should've been Willson Contreras.

With a .917 OPS and a 158 OPS+, Willson Contreras is not only one of the best offensive catchers in the league but also one of the best offensive players overall. Similar to Trea Turner, who won the starting job at shortstop due to Mookie Betts' untimely injury, Willson's missed time should've been overlooked for his fourth career appearance in the All-Star Game.

Both NL catchers Will Smith and William Contreras have accrued more WAR than Willson Contreras at this point in the season, but neither player is within 20% of Willson offensively in terms of OPS+. With Contreras's vastly improved defense and extremely strong throwing arm, he should've garnered much more consideration. Perhaps not taking a bid from his brother or Will Smith, but he should've had a spot on the team.