The Cincinnati Reds may be near the bottom of the National League standings, but Andrew Abbott is giving them something they haven’t seen in a while — a legitimate All-Star candidate based on performance, not sentiment. While most of the spotlight is on high-profile arms like Paul Skenes or big-market stars such as Zack Wheeler, Abbott has been quietly building his case — a perfect fit for the low-key Reds.
His five-inning, one-run effort against the Padres on Saturday wasn’t his most dominant outing of the year — in fact, it was his shortest of June — but it may have been his most meaningful. With the All-Star voting deadline looming, it served as one last statement: Abbott deserves a spot in Atlanta.
A Season That Almost Didn’t Start on Time
It’s easy to overlook that Andrew Abbott didn’t begin the season with the Reds. He opened 2025 in the minors and also dealt with an early-season injury. But since being called up on April 12, he’s delivered a remarkable 1.79 ERA over 14 starts — one of the best starts to a season by any Reds pitcher since ERA became an official National League stat in 1912.
Abbott isn’t known for overpowering velocity or a top draft pedigree, but he consistently gives the Reds a chance to win. With pinpoint control, a calm presence on the mound, and a devastating changeup, he’s turned in quality outing after quality outing.
He holds a 7-1 record and has already compiled a 3.0 WAR, ranking fifth among NL pitchers behind only Paul Skenes, Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, and MacKenzie Gore — all of whom get far more national recognition. But few can match Abbott’s steadiness or his resilience in tough moments, something he demonstrated once again in Saturday’s start.
Why Abbott’s Case Is Stronger Than You Think
The 26-year-old lefty navigated a bases-loaded situation in the fourth inning and gave up just a solo home run to Luis Arraez in the fifth. Manager Terry Francona applauded Abbott’s effort, highlighting his resilience even as his pitch count rose and the temperature climbed.
“He gave up one run — that’s impressive,” Francona said. “It’s a tough lineup… but he doesn’t back down. He holds his stuff.”
Inside the Reds clubhouse, there’s no debate. Catcher Jose Trevino didn’t even wait for the full question before declaring Abbott an All-Star. Reliever Emilio Pagán—who’s put together an All-Star-worthy season himself—pointed out that peer voting impacts player earnings and made it clear: Abbott has absolutely earned the All-Star title.
And that matters. Because being an All-Star isn’t just about stats — it’s also about the respect of your teammates. And Abbott has clearly earned that, too.
No Flash, Just Filthy
This isn’t just a temporary surge — Abbott has delivered a season-long clinic on pitching. He’s gone at least five innings in 12 starts, consistently performing despite limited run support and the challenges that come with a developing Reds roster. In a game that increasingly prioritizes velocity and analytics, Abbott stands out by relying on feel, precision, and mental toughness.
The Reds might not have a large All-Star presence this year, but if MLB truly values excellence, Abbott deserves a ticket to Atlanta. Even if fans around the country haven’t caught on yet, the league has — and so have his teammates. And in baseball, that kind of respect often speaks louder than any headline.
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