‘This Has to Sting’ — Juan Soto Shockingly Left Off All-Star Team, and Boomer’s Brutal Reaction Says It All

In one of the most shocking moments of the 2025 MLB season, Juan Soto, widely regarded as one of the best hitters in baseball today, was left off the All-Star team. The decision sent ripples through the baseball world, leaving fans, analysts, and even players themselves stunned. But it was Boomer Esiason’s reaction on live television that truly captured the emotional weight of the snub — one that many believe may be as personal as it is puzzling.

As the All-Star selections were revealed, many expected Juan Soto’s name to be announced early and enthusiastically. After all, the slugger has had yet another stellar season. But as the list rolled on and Soto’s name was nowhere to be found, viewers began to express confusion. Then disbelief. Then outrage. And when former NFL star and sports analyst Boomer Esiason reacted live to the news, his face told the story before his words did.

“This has to sting,” he said coldly, with a hint of anger and disappointment, “because if Soto’s not an All-Star, then what are we even doing?”

Juan Soto’s All-Star Worthy Season Ignored

What makes this snub especially egregious is Soto’s statistical dominance. At the time of selection, Juan Soto was hitting over .310, with a .420 OBP, and slugging at a rate that rivals the best in the league. He’s top five in OPS, among the league leaders in walks, and continues to be a defensive asset in the outfield. Beyond the numbers, his presence on the field is electric — a mix of youthful swagger, veteran poise, and undeniable skill.

Baseball fans know the All-Star Game is more than just a showcase — it’s a mid-season barometer of who’s dominating the game. So when one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball is excluded, it raises eyebrows and questions.

Is this about performance? Personality? Politics?

Boomer’s Brutal Take Resonates With Fans

During the CBS Sports morning show, Boomer Esiason didn’t hold back. His immediate reaction was clipped from the broadcast and went viral within hours.

“There’s no world in which you leave Juan Soto off an All-Star roster and think you’ve made the right call,” Boomer fumed. “I don’t care if it’s fan voting or manager preferences — this kid is a generational talent. If he doesn’t make it, what’s the point?”

Boomer’s remarks captured a sentiment many shared but couldn’t quite articulate. It wasn’t just about stats. It was about what Juan Soto represents: the modern face of baseball. A Dominican phenom with charisma, flair, and elite-level consistency. The snub didn’t just feel unfair — it felt like a slap in the face to a player who’s carried teams, drawn ratings, and inspired countless young athletes.

Unpacking the Possible Reasons

So why was Juan Soto left off the All-Star team?

Some insiders suggest fan voting bias played a role. Others point to potential oversaturation — that Soto has been so consistently great that voters simply took him for granted. Still, others whisper about behind-the-scenes dynamics, personal politics between team managers, or unwritten “pay-your-dues” rules that often determine final roster spots.

Another theory: the crowded National League outfield. With stars like Mookie Betts, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. also having strong seasons, perhaps Soto was simply outnumbered. But for many, that explanation doesn’t hold water. No matter how deep the talent pool is, Soto’s performance demands inclusion.

Some fans have even suggested that his pending free agency and contract talk might have contributed to the snub. Soto, expected to command a contract north of $400 million, has been at the center of trade rumors and heated negotiations. Could this be the league’s subtle way of distancing itself from the drama?

The Mental Toll of Being Overlooked

As talented as he is, Juan Soto is still only 26 years old. While he’s mature beyond his years, rejection at such a high level — especially when undeserved — can impact a player’s mindset. For someone who’s given everything to the game, being left off an All-Star team can feel like betrayal.

Insiders close to Soto say he was “disappointed but not surprised.” That quote, while stoic on the surface, is tinged with sadness. It hints at a player who has perhaps grown accustomed to being undervalued in certain circles despite doing everything right on the field.

Boomer Esiason pointed to this mental strain too.

“Look, you work your tail off, you put up MVP numbers, and you’re told it’s still not enough?” he said. “That messes with your head. And it shouldn’t.”

Baseball’s Bigger Problem: Marketing Its Stars

If the MLB All-Star selection process is broken, then Soto’s exclusion is the clearest symptom. In a sport that constantly battles for attention in the crowded world of modern entertainment, failing to elevate its most magnetic personalities is a dangerous move.

Juan Soto is the kind of player you build around — not exclude. His at-bats are must-watch moments. His charisma is made for the camera. And his backstory — a poor kid from the Dominican Republic who rose to baseball superstardom — is everything a sport should celebrate.

Yet somehow, the league allowed this moment to slip away.

Boomer called it an “embarrassment for the game,” and he may be right. For a league that struggles to appeal to younger, more diverse audiences, the decision to leave out one of the few true international superstars is baffling.

The Outrage Across Social Media

It didn’t take long for the internet to erupt. Within minutes of the All-Star roster announcement, fans flooded X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit with disbelief. Hashtags like #SotoSnub and #LetJuanPlay trended globally.

Fellow players chimed in too. Bryce Harper posted a cryptic “😤” emoji, widely believed to reference Soto’s omission. Even rival players expressed shock, with some calling the decision “a disgrace.”

One post that went especially viral read:

“You can’t have an All-Star Game without Juan Soto. That’s like having a pizza party with no pizza.”

Looking Ahead: Fuel for a Fire

There’s an old saying in sports: “The best revenge is playing even better.” And if there’s one player who’s going to take this personally — and productively — it’s Juan Soto.

Teammates have already said that Soto is “more locked in than ever,” vowing to prove every voter wrong in the second half of the season. If history is any guide, that’s bad news for opposing pitchers.

It also may change the conversation around future All-Star selections. Many are now calling for a more transparent selection process, where a balance of fan input, analytics, and expert judgment can coexist. Because if a talent like Soto can be overlooked, then no one is safe.

As Boomer said, with his final jab at the broadcast:

“Whoever made this call should be made to explain it — live, in front of Juan Soto’s highlight reel.”

The Bigger Picture: Legacy and Recognition

Moments like these can define a player’s career in unexpected ways. While not being selected to an All-Star team won’t diminish Juan Soto’s Hall of Fame trajectory, it does leave a mark — a narrative of underappreciation, of quiet battles waged against invisible forces.

But perhaps, in the long run, this snub will fuel a new chapter in Soto’s career. One marked not by disappointment, but by domination. Maybe he’ll go on a second-half tear, win the NL MVP, and force the league — and the world — to acknowledge what should have been obvious all along:

Juan Soto is not just an All-Star. He’s a superstar.

And when this season is over, when the numbers are tallied, the headlines archived, and the cameras turned away, fans may look back at this moment not with anger, but with awe — at how a single snub lit a fire in one of baseball’s brightest stars.

Because in the end, this has to sting — but it might just be the sting that sparks something historic.a