The two players who received the largest contracts in baseball last offseason were not named to this year’s All-Star Game.
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper and San Diego Padres star Manny Machado were both missing from the National League roster when teams were announced Sunday.
Harper, who signed a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies, is having a rough season. The former Nationals star is hitting .250 and leads the NL in strikeouts. Harper saw his streak of four-straight All-Star appearances snapped.
Every team must have a player represent them at the All-Star Game, but catcher J.T. Realmuto made it as the Phillies’ rep instead.
Machado, meanwhile, hasn’t had as drastic of a down season. The 26-year-old infielder is hitting .277 this season with 20 home runs and he’s coming off a month in which he hit .314 in June.
But Machado still failed to make it — albeit because of the depth at his position. Nationals star Anthony Rendon and Cubs star Kris Bryant both earned more player votes ahead of Machado, who signed a 10-year, $300 million deal with the Padres in February. Rockies star Nolan Arenado will start the game at third.
Manny Machado is batting .305/.373/.605 since May 1.
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 30, 2019
Manny Machado is batting .327/.382/.723 since June 1.
Manny Machado is an elite baseball player. People forget that. pic.twitter.com/5cQsAr3DkV
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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