The Cincinnati Reds might be near the bottom of the NL standings, but Andrew Abbott is giving them something they haven’t had in a while — an All-Star candidate based purely on performance. While big names like Paul Skenes and Zack Wheeler dominate headlines, Abbott has quietly emerged as one of the league’s most effective arms, fitting the Reds’ understated identity.
His latest outing — five innings of one-run ball against the Padres — may not have been his flashiest, but with All-Star voting nearing its end, it served as a timely reminder: Abbott belongs on the NL roster.
A Delayed Start, A Dominant Run
Abbott didn’t open the season with the Reds. He began in the minors and missed time with an early injury. Since being called up on April 12, though, he’s been lights out — posting a 1.79 ERA over 14 starts, one of the lowest to open a season in club history since ERA became an official NL stat in 1912.
He’s not a fireballer or former top pick, but he keeps the Reds in every game. With elite command, mound composure, and a devastating changeup, he’s strung together start after start of steady excellence.
Abbott is 7-1 with a 3.0 WAR, ranking fifth in the NL behind only more hyped names like Skenes, Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, and MacKenzie Gore. Yet few match Abbott’s consistency and poise under pressure — traits that were on full display Saturday.
Earning Respect Where It Matters
In Saturday’s start, Abbott worked out of a bases-loaded jam and limited the damage to a solo homer by Luis Arraez. Manager Terry Francona praised his toughness: “He gave up one — that’s impressive… he doesn’t back down.”
Inside the clubhouse, his All-Star case is already made. Catcher Jose Trevino didn’t hesitate to say Abbott deserves the honor. Reliever Emilio Pagán, himself an All-Star candidate, emphasized that peer votes carry financial weight — and that Abbott has absolutely earned the nod.
That kind of support speaks volumes. Being an All-Star is about more than just numbers — it’s also about respect, and Abbott has clearly earned that from his teammates.
Quiet Greatness in a Loud Game
Abbott’s season isn’t just a hot streak. He’s delivered a consistent, high-level performance over months — with 12 starts of at least five innings, all while working through the growing pains of a young Reds team and minimal run support. In an era dominated by metrics and velocity, Abbott wins with feel, control, and toughness.
The Reds may not send many players to the Midsummer Classic, but if MLB is serious about recognizing elite performance, Andrew Abbott should be on that flight to Atlanta. Even if he’s not a household name, he’s earned the respect of the league — and that just might be the most important endorsement of all.
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