The Result Under The Result
I'll run through my picks right here.
The 2026 All-Star Game is set for July 14 in Philadelphia.
The record does not need much decoration; it already does the talking.
In voting for the All-Star starters, my stance is that it's essentially a reward for the players who had the best first half. If there's a virtual tie where two players feel dead even, I'll lean on career credentials for the established stars, but I generally want the best players from that given season in the All-Star Game.
Catcher: Shea Langeliers, Athletics. He's hitting.293/.365/.544 with 14 homers, 30 RBI and 37 runs scored while playing quality defense.
The Useful Context
First base: Ben Rice, Yankees. He's slashing.306/.397/.658 with 14 doubles, 7 home runs, 44 RBI and 44 runs. He leads the majors in slugging, OPS and OPS+ while pacing the AL in RBI.
Second base: Ernie Clement, Blue Jays. He's hitting.300 and leads the AL in hits while leading the majors in doubles with 19.
Third base: Miguel Vargas, White Sox. He's got a 144 OPS+ with 10 doubles, 15 home runs, 38 RBI, 44 runs and is nine for nine in stolen base attempts.
Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals. He checks every single box.
The Part Still Unclear
Outfielders: Mike Trout, Angels; Aaron Judge, Yankees; Cody Bellinger, Yankees. Trout has a 154 OPS+, leads the majors in walks and leads the AL in runs scored. He's hit 14 homers and has driven home 31 runs. Judge is sitting there with a 152 OPS+ along with his 17 homers and 38 RBI. Bellinger leads all AL position players in Baseball Reference's WAR.
Designated hitter: Yordan Alvarez, Astros. He's hitting.301/.416/.634 (191 OPS+) with 20 home runs.
Starting pitcher: Nick Martinez, Rays. He's 5-1 with a 1.62 ERA in 11 starts.