A Season of Surprise
The Pittsburgh Pirates, long considered a rebuilding club, have surprised many by climbing to the top of baseball’s run production charts, tying for the league lead with 516 runs scored this season.
At the heart of that resurgence is outfielder Bryan Reynolds, whose .283/.400/.477 line, 14 home runs and 59 RBIs reflect a rare blend of contact, on‑base skill and power, while his 3.4 bWAR and four defensive runs saved underscore his all‑around value.
The Numbers Behind the Snub
Yet despite these numbers, Reynolds was omitted from the All‑Star roster, a decision that has drawn criticism from fans and analysts who point to his fourth‑ranked National League outfield OBP and eighth‑ranked OPS of .877.
The snub is all the more striking given that the Pirates will be represented by two players in the game, a fact that highlights the limited recognition of Reynolds’ contributions.
Injuries to key teammates such as Ryan O’Hearn, Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz have further complicated the team’s lineup decisions, but the overall upward trajectory suggests that the club’s offensive identity is finally clicking.