Gray, Weaver, Martinez Omitted From 2026 All-Star Game

Three former Cincinnati Reds were singled out among the 2026 MLB All‑Star Game’s 10 biggest snubs, according to The Athletic’s Johnny Flores Jr. Relief pitcher Luke Weaver, starter Sonny Gray and starter Nick Martinez all missed the mid‑season showcase despite recent resurgences. The three players were once staples of the Reds’ roster but have since moved on to new teams where they are thriving.

Comeback Stories on the Rise

Weaver was released by the Reds in August 2023 after a 6.87 ERA in 21 relief appearances. In his first season with the New York Mets he has posted a 1.95 ERA in 35 outings, silencing doubts about his durability. The 29‑year‑old right‑hander proves that a clean start can turn a struggling career around.

Gray, a 2019 All‑Star for Cincinnati, compiled a 23‑20 record with a 3.49 ERA over three seasons. After being traded to the Minnesota Twins in 2022, he eventually landed with the Boston Red Sox, where he is 10‑1 with a 2.61 ERA in 16 starts. His sharp command and competitive drive have turned him into an emerging postseason threat.

Martinez posted a 21‑21 mark and a 3.83 ERA in 82 appearances for the Reds over two seasons. Cincinnati granted him free agency at the end of 2025, and the Tampa Bay Rays signed him, rewarding his effort with a 7‑2 record and a 2.61 ERA in 17 starts. The former Reds’ staple has found a new home where his experience is valued.

What This Means for the Reds

Losing Gray, Weaver and Martinez from the All‑Star roster reflects the Reds’ recent rebuilding phase. While the players individually have turned their careers around, Cincinnati has lacked the stars needed to generate fan excitement in 2026. Fans will watch these former Reds shine elsewhere, hoping the next wave of talent can fill the void.

The snub also highlights how roster turnover can reshape a franchise’s narrative. Each player’s success away from Great American Ball Park serves as both a lesson and a benchmark for emerging Reds prospects. As the team looks toward a brighter future, these departures remind fans that baseball careers are fluid and opportunities arise when a club chooses to move on.

Game Spotlight: July 4th Showcase

In other news, the Reds celebrated the nation’s birthday with a July 4, 2026 contest against the Baltimore Orioles at Great American Ball Park. The teams squared off in a back‑and‑forth battle that ended with the Orioles winning 8‑5, highlighted by a three‑run homer from catcher Samuel Basallo. The holiday atmosphere added a festive backdrop to an otherwise competitive matchup.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Former Reds Sonny Gray, Nick Martinez, Luke Weaver among MLB ASG snubs