The 2026 MLB All‑Star Game starting rosters have been finalized, showcasing star‑studded lineups on both the American and National League sides.
The American League will field catcher Shea Langeliers, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., second baseman Ernie Clement, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., third baseman Junior Caminero, designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, and an outfield trio of Mike Trout, Byron Buxton and Aaron Judge.
The National League counters with catcher Drake Baldwin, first baseman Freddie Freeman, second baseman Ozzie Albies, shortstop CJ Abrams, third baseman Max Muncy, designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, and an outfield of Brandon Marsh, Juan Soto and Andy Pages.
From a dominant Dodgers contingent to first‑time selections finally earning their opportunity, to a hometown hero playing on his native field, this year’s starting roster offers plenty to discuss ahead of the Midsummer Classic on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park.
Here’s a deeper dive into the key storylines emerging from the selections.
1. Mike Trout Returns to the All‑Star Game
Provided he remains healthy enough to take the field, this marks Mike Trout’s first All‑Star appearance since 2019, ending a stretch of injury‑shortened seasons that kept the future Hall of Famer out of the summer classic.
Coming off the injured list with a right hamstring strain, Trout had been enjoying a standout 2026 campaign, posting a 145 OPS+, 17 home runs and 2.8 WAR through 74 games. His 12 All‑Star selections are the most among active players.
Mike Trout is enjoying a resurgent 2026 season that has him back at the MLB All‑Star Game. (John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
There’s also a touching personal angle. The Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia is only 40 miles from Trout’s hometown of Millville, New Jersey. The 34‑year‑old outfielder grew up as a die‑hard Eagles fan and supporter of Philadelphia sports.
Trout expressed hope that he can play in front of his New Jersey roots this summer, while Aaron Judge — sidelined by a rib injury — will not return until after the All‑Star break, underscoring the importance of Trout’s potential availability for the American League.
2. Dodgers Send Four Starters, Dominating the NL Lineup
Los Angeles is sending four starters to Philadelphia, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani, who secured a sixth straight All‑Star election as the designated hitter after winning Phase 1 of the voting outright. No player had previously served as the DH for more than three consecutive All‑Star Games; the last was Hall of Famer David Ortiz (2011‑13). Teammates joining Ohtani as fan‑voted starters are first baseman Freddie Freeman, third baseman Max Muncy and outfielder Andy Pages.
Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman will be joined by teammates Andy Pages and Max Muncy at the Midsummer Classic. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Freddie Freeman earned his 10th All‑Star selection and his sixth start after edging Matt Olson in Phase 2 of the voting. It also marks a milestone for Max Muncy, who earned his first All‑Star start (the third of his 11‑year career). Muncy becomes the first Dodgers third baseman to start the Midsummer Classic since Ron Cey in 1977. Andy Pages completes the quartet after a dramatic surge from fourth to third in the National League voting.
This continues the Dodgers’ outsized presence at the All‑Star Game in recent years, with four starting nods giving Los Angeles more representation in the NL lineup than any other team. The only other clubs with multiple All‑Star Game starters are the Atlanta Braves (catcher Drake Baldwin and second baseman Ozzie Albies) and the Toronto Blue Jays (first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and second baseman Ernie Clement).
Shohei Ohtani hits a homer, extending the Dodgers’ lead over the Blue Jays
3. Bobby Witt Jr. Secures Historic First All‑Star Start
It’s surprising that this is the first time in his five‑year career that Bobby Witt Jr. has been voted an All‑Star starter. After MVP‑level play since breaking out in 2022, one might have expected several such honors earlier.
Bobby Witt Jr. belted an inside‑the‑park home run against the Tigers
Witt, who recently celebrated his 26th birthday, is finally getting the recognition his numbers have long deserved. This season, he leads the AL in WAR (4.7) and stolen bases (29) to support a .290/.362/.470 slash line and a 135 OPS+. His 93 hits are the fifth‑most in the AL, continuing his rise as one of the brightest young stars in the game.
Witt’s first All‑Star selection coincides with his role as Team USA’s starting shortstop at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
4. Brandon Marsh Earns First All‑Star Start in His Homeland
Brandon Marsh is making his first career All‑Star start, and he’ll do it under the best circumstances—on his home field, before Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park.
Marsh outperformed teammates Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner to become the Phillies’ sole starter. Both Schwarber and Harper earned All‑Star spots, with Harper selected as a “Legend” by Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Marsh led all National League outfielders through much of the fan voting, ultimately overtaking other contenders for the spot. Andy Pages and Juan Soto round out the NL outfield, while Pete Crow‑Armstrong, James Wood, Corbin Carroll and Jordan Walker are the reserves.
Brandon Marsh denies Ronald Acuña Jr. a leadoff home run on the first pitch of the game against the Braves
This is Marsh’s sixth MLB season, and the left‑handed outfielder is quietly riding a career year that has made him one of the most productive NL outfielders in the first half. Marsh’s .315 batting average is among the top‑five best marks across all qualified major‑league hitters. He has 15 home runs, an .870 OPS, and 46 RBI through 83 games. Besides being known for his perpetually wet hair, Marsh wasn’t in the national spotlight much before this season. Now, the best season of his career is being validated in the starriest way possible.
