Phillies' Zack Wheeler Declined MLB ASG Roster Invite After Snub, 'Not Gonna Be Disrespected'

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler didn't care for the olive branch MLB extended to him for the 2026 All-Star Game.

Wheeler told reporters Saturday he declined an invite to compete in the Midsummer Classic.

"I'm not gonna be disrespected," he said.

Wheeler equated it to being like the "fifth option."

Beyond the fact the All-Star Game is in Philadelphia, Wheeler is putting together a strong season after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery last fall. Through 14 appearances, he's 9-1 with a 2.28 ERA and a 3.11 FIP. He ranks 11th among National League pitchers in WAR (2.4) at FanGraphs.

His agent, B.B. Abbott, called it "tone deaf" for MLB to exclude the right-hander from the NL squad given both his performance and the wider narrative.

"Major League Baseball knows," Abbott said, per The Athletic's Matt Gelb. "Everybody knows what he's been through. And to not do what you needed to do to let this guy be honored in his home ballpark, it's ludicrous."

Wheeler vented his frustration following his last start. The three-time All-Star said he carried a chip on his shoulder as he struck out 14 batters over seven innings in a 4-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

It appears MLB's recent overtures were too little, too late. The league confirmed Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski will instead fill out the NL staff and occupy the void left by the Cincinnati Reds' Chase Burns.