10 All-Star Candidates Deserving More Attention
The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is fast approaching, and while the initial fan voting results are promising, there are some players who have been overlooked. Here's a look at 10 players who deserve more love in the polls:
Dillon Dingler (Catcher, Detroit Tigers):
- Dingler is a defensive powerhouse, consistently ranking among the top catchers in defensive metrics. His bat has come alive this season, with a .358/.390/.774 slash line and 16 home runs through June. FanGraphs WAR places him among the top 10 players in the sport, making him a strong contender for an All-Star spot.
- Commentary: The Tigers' struggles don't diminish Dingler's excellence. His defensive prowess and offensive outburst make him a valuable asset to any team. The fact that he's leading his position in multiple categories is impressive, and his potential to reach 40 home runs adds to his All-Star case.
Nick Kurtz (First Baseman, Oakland Athletics):
- Kurtz, the AL Rookie of the Year in 2025, has become the face of the Athletics' exciting team. While teammate Shea Langeliers leads among catchers, Kurtz is stuck at fourth among first basemen. His 48-game on-base streak and 1.243 June OPS showcase his consistency and talent.
- Commentary: Kurtz's on-base skills and power make him a valuable contributor. His defensive versatility and offensive production are often overlooked, but his WAR ranking above Ben Rice and eighth in the Majors highlights his overall impact. The Athletics' success this season further cements Kurtz's All-Star potential.
Randy Arozarena (Outfielder, Tampa Bay Rays):
- Arozarena has been a consistent performer for the Rays, who are having a surprising season. While Junior Caminero leads at third base, Arozarena's contributions have been invaluable. He's climbed the franchise leaderboards, ranking fourth in hits and fifth in runs.
- Commentary: Arozarena's ability to consistently deliver hits and runs, even in a surprising Rays team, is commendable. His performance this season, especially compared to his previous All-Star appearance, showcases his growth and impact. The Rays' success is a testament to Arozarena's role in their success.
Leury Garcia (Second Baseman, Chicago White Sox):
- Garcia, who finished fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting last season, has improved defensively and offensively. He's among the top 30 players in fWAR and is hitting for power, with a chance at 40 home runs.
- Commentary: The White Sox's surprising rise from losing teams to contenders has been remarkable. Garcia's defensive improvements and offensive production make him a key contributor. His power and consistency are often overlooked, but his impact on the team's success is undeniable.
Willson Contreras (Catcher, Colorado Rockies):
- Contreras has been the best player on the Rockies for two straight seasons. Despite the catcher position being stronger, he leads all NL catchers in homers and OPS. His power is not a fluke, as evidenced by his 31 home runs last season and his road performance.
- Commentary: The Rockies' struggles in recent years don't diminish Contreras' talent. His power and consistency make him a valuable asset, especially in a position where catching has been strong. The fact that he's leading his position in multiple categories showcases his impact on the team's performance.
Sam Turang (Outfielder, Milwaukee Brewers):
- Turang has the best case for starting among position players for the Brewers. He leads second basemen in OPS and is having the best season of his career. His down-ballot MVP votes in 2025 further highlight his talent.
- Commentary: The Brewers' success and Turang's consistent performance make him a strong contender. His ability to lead his position in OPS and his overall impact on the team's success are undeniable. The fact that he's still somewhat hidden in plain sight adds to his intriguing story.
Xander Bogaerts (Shortstop, Miami Marlins):
- Bogaerts has emerged as a magnetic player for the Marlins, playing with verve and flamboyance. He hits for a high average, steals bases, and executes cool slides. His impact on the team's success is undeniable.
- Commentary: The Marlins' success this season is largely due to Bogaerts' contributions. His ability to lead the team in multiple categories and his overall impact on the team's performance make him a strong contender. The fact that he's a throwback player with modern skills adds to his appeal.
Mookie Betts (Outfielder, Los Angeles Dodgers):
- Betts, despite leading the NL outfield in OPS, is ranked only seventh in the voting. His athleticism, top-six MVP finishes, and All-Star appearances make him a strong contender.
- Commentary: Betts' talent and impact on the Dodgers are undeniable. His ability to lead his position in OPS and his overall impact on the team's success are impressive. The fact that he's a consistent All-Star candidate further highlights his value.
Juan Soto (Outfielder, Washington Nationals):
- Soto, despite leading the NL outfield in OPS, is ranked only ninth in the voting. His athleticism, top-six MVP finishes, and All-Star appearances make him a strong contender.
- Commentary: Soto's talent and impact on the Nationals are undeniable. His ability to lead his position in OPS and his overall impact on the team's success are impressive. The fact that he's a consistent All-Star candidate further highlights his value.
Trea Turner (Outfielder, Los Angeles Dodgers):
- Turner, despite leading the NL outfield in OPS, is ranked only eighth in the voting. His athleticism, top-six MVP finishes, and All-Star appearances make him a strong contender.
- Commentary: Turner's talent and impact on the Dodgers are undeniable. His ability to lead his position in OPS and his overall impact on the team's success are impressive. The fact that he's a consistent All-Star candidate further highlights his value.
In conclusion, these 10 players have all made strong cases for All-Star consideration. Their performances and impact on their respective teams deserve more recognition. Fans can still vote daily during Phase 1 of the balloting, which runs until June 25th, to ensure these deserving players make the final cut.
