Even though it feels like the season just started, the 2026 MLB All-Stars class is already taking shape and making a case to go to Philadelphia in July. There’s still a month left before the All-Star Game in July, and players can either make a late push for recognition or fade away before the calendar turns. That certainly appears to be the case in the 2026 season.
What makes it more unique this time around is the sheer number of rookies and breakout players that could end up in the midsummer classic. Much like the standings for this year, there’s no real runaway candidates outside of a few players.
There is no shortage of power at the first base position in both leagues, with a major slugfest happening in the American League.
Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami and New York Yankees Ben Rice are nearly identical in every way. Both have tremendous power and run-driving abilities, though they have a heightened strikeout risk. The one thing that separates the two is that Rice is a more diverse hitter, while Murakami is more of a power specialist, and he’s also injured for the next four weeks.
The National League isn’t as clear, though Matt Olson is the favorite as the season goes deeper into June. Olson is on track to have his second 40-home-run season in his career, while also maintaining his gap power. Cincinnati Reds Sal Stewart, on the other hand, had a hot start to the season before cooling off, though he remains a viable candidate. Veterans Freddie Freeman and Bryce Harper also hold more than 10 home runs each and an over .800 OPS.
Unlike last year, the second base All-Star nominations are being spearheaded by two clear favorites.
Travis Bazzana, despite starting the year at Triple-A Columbus, has been a difference-maker for the Cleveland Guardians since being called up in late April. He’s the only American League second baseman with an OPS over .800, though he trails Jazz Chisholm Jr. in home runs and stolen bases. Still, Bazzana is living up to his hype so far.
It would be interesting to see J.J. Wetherholt represent the National League, but Brandon Lowe is the runaway favorite for that position. Having 14 home runs and a solid glove is difficult for any second baseman, because usually it doesn’t come in a pair. Even with his stats, Ketel Marte, Xavier Edwards, and Bryce Turang present challenges, but Lowe’s power should give him an edge.
Lots of fans thought, going into the season, that Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto could be a candidate for an All-Star selection if he adjusted well.
While Okamoto is definitely one of the more well-rounded hitters, he’s running behind the continuing dominance of Tampa Bay Rays’ Junior Caminero. The 22-year-old isn’t only playing at a high level; he’s improved on his metrics, including drawing more walks and getting on base more frequently. The 78-point jump in OBP is something that cannot be ignored. Caminero does face a sizable challenge from Miguel Vargas, who is in the middle of a breakout season with 15 home runs already.
Washington Nationals third baseman Curtis Mead is also in the middle of a breakout, hitting .247/.357/.829 with eight home runs. Los Angeles Dodgers‘ Max Muncy, who seems to get better with age, has 14 home runs on an .856 OPS. An argument can be made for Nolan Arenado, but it’s coming down to the former two. It’s a matter of who has the better June.
The 2026 MLB All-Stars class is filled with an abundance of rookies, spearheaded by the former number one and two prospects in the league.
On the American League side, Detroit Tigers Kevin McGonigle has helped try to keep this team afloat. Despite being a perfect nine-for-nine on steals and putting up potential gold-glove fielding range, there’s questions about his slugging ceiling. If it’s a game of home runs, he would certainly lose to more established hitters like Gunnar Henderson or Bobby Witt, or even Zach Neto.
Konnor Griffin started the year in Triple-A, much like Bazzana, but he’s been a sparkplug for the Pirates. Stealing 14 bases, driving in 22 runs, and holding an OPS above .700 for a 20-year-old isn’t easy, though some could like to see more production. There are also some concerns about the number of errors he makes, holding seven at the shortstop position so far.
While McGonigle has an open shot, Griffin’s path is blocked by the amazing play of Washington’s C.J. Abrams and Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz. Both are above .850 OPS, and have more than 12 home runs. It’s a shame to say, but Griffin might not make it this year, though he will someday.
Aaron Judge’s injury doesn’t just hit the Yankees, but it also hits the American League voting for the 2026 MLB All-Stars for the next month.
Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton, finally playing injury-free, put up 18 home runs, while Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout is turning back the clock with a .876 OPS. The question becomes who might replace Judge, leaving open several possibilities. Kerry Carpenter is playing well, while teammate Cody Bellinger is also holding an .833 OPS. Julio Rodriguez, who has struggled since his rookie campaign, could be a selection as well with his 13 home runs.
The field in the National League faces a crowding problem. At least five players are over .900 OPS, including James Wood, Juan Soto, JJ Bleday, a rejuvenated Jordan Walker, and even Mickey Moniak. That’s not even including Corbin Carroll, batting a .925 OPS. This field is going to come down to the fine details, from base-stealing to fielding. It might be the closest race out of all the positions in the 2026 MLB All-Stars class.
Defense and power-hitting dominate the catcher position in today’s game, and two players fit that bill well.
Detroit’s Dillon Dingler and the Athletics’ Shea Langeliers are locked in a tight battle over who leads in home runs. Langeliers leads with 16 to Dingler’s 14, and both are above-average defenders. Adley Rutschman might be a good catcher, but he’s lagging behind these two. The Athletics product might be the winner here, given his six runs-above-average at the catcher spot, putting him in line for a Gold Glove as well.
Atlanta Braves Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin is continuing his dominance with 13 home runs and a .931 OPS. The backstop might not have a good arm defensively, given he surrendered 88 steals in 2025; his bat makes up for it. Hunter Goodman is in the same boat and has 16 home runs, but lags in RBIs with 29. Aside from Liam Hicks, everyone pales in comparison.
Keeping this segment short, Yordan Alvarez will likely secure the DH spot for the American League’s 2026 MLB All-Stars class. Yandy Diaz or Chase DeLauter might be reserved, but Alzarez is crushing the ball.
Kyle Schwarber should win the National League nod, as he’s trumping Shohei Ohtani in most offensive categories. Ohtani will likely get reserves if he doesn’t get the votes.
It’s still very early in the voting cycle, and there’s a month of baseball ahead of the players. Some will pad their stats, and others could hit a nasty cold streak. It should be expected, however, that a few of these big rookies could slide their way into the 2026 MLB All-Stars class. That’s a good thing for the game, even with a potential work stoppage after the season.
Voting is open now on MLB.Com until June 25.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
