The Cincinnati Reds may be near the bottom of the National League standings, but Andrew Abbott is offering them something they haven’t seen in years: a legitimate All-Star case based on performance rather than sentiment. While the spotlight tends to shine on high-profile names like Paul Skenes or Zack Wheeler, Abbott is quietly making an impact—just the way the Reds prefer it.
His five-inning, one-run outing against the Padres on Saturday wasn’t his most dominant showing of the year and marked his shortest start in June, but it could prove to be the most significant. With All-Star voting wrapping up, it served as a timely reminder: 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 start the season with the Reds. He opened 2025 in the minors and spent time on the injured list. But since his call-up on April 12, he’s been nearly untouchable, posting a 1.79 ERA over 14 starts—one of the best stretches by a Reds pitcher since ERA became an official NL stat in 1912.
Abbott isn’t a fireballer or a former No. 1 overall pick, but he consistently gives the Reds a chance to win. Outing after outing, he delivers with sharp command, a calm presence, and a devastating changeup that keeps hitters off balance. He’s currently 7-1 with a 3.0 WAR—fifth-best in the National League behind only Paul Skenes, Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, and MacKenzie Gore. While those names draw more national attention, none match Abbott’s steady performance or his resilience under pressure—something he demonstrated again on Saturday.
Why Abbott’s Case Is Stronger Than You Think
The 26-year-old showed his poise once again, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning and surrendering just a solo homer to Luis Arraez in the fifth. Manager Terry Francona was quick to praise Abbott’s composure, especially under pressure as the pitch count rose and the temperature climbed.
“He gave up one. I mean, that’s pretty impressive,” Francona said. “It’s a good lineup… But he doesn’t give in. Holds his stuff.”
Inside the Reds clubhouse, players are convinced the numbers speak for themselves. Catcher Jose Trevino didn’t even wait for the question to finish before calling Abbott an All-Star. Reliever Emilio Pagán—who has a case of his own—pointed out how player votes can impact contracts and said Abbott “has definitely pitched well enough to be called an All-Star.”
That carries weight. Because beyond the stats, ERA, or strikeout totals, it’s about earning respect—and Abbott has clearly done that.
No Flash, Just Filthy
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This isn’t just a hot streak—it’s been a season-long display of mastery. Abbott has pitched at least five innings in 12 starts, all while dealing with limited run support and the challenges that come with a young Reds team. He relies on feel, pinpoint location, and mental toughness in an era dominated by velocity and spin metrics.
While the Reds might not typically send many players to the All-Star Game, if MLB is truly rewarding top-tier performance, Abbott deserves a ticket to Atlanta. Even if national fans haven’t caught on yet, the league and his teammates have—and sometimes, that’s the strongest endorsement of all.
