The Los Angeles Dodgers had five players who advanced to the second phase of 2021 MLB All-Star Game voting, which was well-deserved and indicative of talent on their roster.
However, Will Smith was not among the top three vote-getters in the National League at catcher despite being among the position’s leaders in every major offensive category. “Obviously, that’s the fans’ vote, but hopefully the players get it right,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said.
“I just don’t see how he’s not one of the top three catchers in the National League. But outside of that, with our guys, I’m thrilled.”
All-Star Game reserves are selected through a combination of player vote and the commissioner’s office. The group of players will be announced Sunday during a live show on ESPN that begins at 2:30 p.m. PT.
This season, Smith is one of 12 NL catchers who have at least 200 plate appearances. Among them, he is second in wins above replacement (2.8), second in slugging percentage (.474), third in wRC+ (133) and wOBA (.360), and fifth in on-base percentage (.364).
Dodgers snubbed from All-Star Game starters
Despite the Dodgers having Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Mookie Betts and Chris Taylor qualify as finalists to start in the All-Star Game, none of them were voted in. That didn’t become clear until after Roberts’ made his remarks about Smith failing to place in the top three vote-getters at catcher.
“I just think the team that’s the best team in baseball, let alone the National League, doesn’t have a starter, so I don’t know,” Roberts said when learning of the results.
“Obviously it’s the fan voting. I know our guys probably won’t admit it but might be disappointed because it is an honor and thrill to be voted in by the fans to start in an All-Star Game. But it is what it is.”
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