In the realm of Major League Baseball (MLB), the All-Star Game is a highly anticipated event, and the voting process is a fascinating insight into the sport's culture and fan engagement. While the voting results have generally been impressive, I believe there are some players who have been overlooked and deserve more recognition. Here are 10 players who have been flying under the radar, but should be in the spotlight for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
Firstly, let's talk about Dillon Dingler of the Detroit Tigers. Dingler has been a defensive powerhouse, and his bat has come around this season. With a .358/.390/.774 slash line and 16 home runs, he's having a career-best year. According to FanGraphs WAR, Dingler is a Top 10 player in the sport so far this season, and his defensive metrics put him at or near the top of his position. Personally, I think Dingler's consistent performance and defensive prowess make him a strong candidate for the All-Star team.
Next up is Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics. Kurtz was the unanimous choice for AL Rookie of the Year last season, and he has become the face of the A's fun and exciting team. While his teammate Shea Langeliers is leading the catchers in voting, Kurtz is stuck at fourth among first basemen. However, Kurtz's 48-game on-base streak and 1.243 June OPS make a strong case for his inclusion. In my opinion, Kurtz's historic streak and improving performance should have him in the All-Star team.
Now, let's shift our focus to Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays. Arozarena has been a consistent performer for the Rays, and he's having one of the best seasons of his illustrious career. He's fourth in hits, seventh in homers, and fifth in runs, and he's only made the All-Star Game once. Personally, I think Arozarena's consistent performance and his role as the avatar of the Rays make him a strong candidate for the All-Star team.
Moving on, let's talk about Matt Montgomery of the Chicago White Sox. Montgomery finished fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting last season, and he has gotten better this year, particularly on defense. He's among the top 30 players in fWAR and is hitting for just as much power as he did in 2025. In my opinion, Montgomery's improved performance and his role as a key player for the White Sox make him a strong candidate for the All-Star team.
Next, let's discuss Willson Contreras of the Colorado Rockies. Contreras has been the best player on the team for two straight seasons, and he's leading all NL catchers in homers and OPS. Personally, I think Contreras's power and consistent performance make him a strong candidate for the All-Star team.
Now, let's shift our focus to Sam Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers. Turang leads second basemen in OPS, and he's having the best season of his career. In my opinion, Turang's consistent performance and his role as a key player for the Brewers make him a strong candidate for the All-Star team.
Next, let's talk about Luis Arraez of the Minnesota Twins. Arraez is leading the NL in hits, and he's having a fantastic season. Personally, I think Arraez's consistent performance and his role as a key player for the Twins make him a strong candidate for the All-Star team.
Now, let's discuss Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals. Soto is, well, Juan Soto. His athleticism seems to make the highlight reels every night, and he's having a fantastic season. In my opinion, Soto's consistent performance and his role as a key player for the Nationals make him a strong candidate for the All-Star team.
Next, let's talk about Brian Anderson of the Miami Marlins. Anderson has emerged as a fantastic player and a magnetic one. He plays with verve and even a little flamboyance, and he's having a fantastic season. Personally, I think Anderson's consistent performance and his role as a key player for the Marlins make him a strong candidate for the All-Star team.
Finally, let's discuss Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Betts is leading the NL in OPS, and he's having a fantastic season. In my opinion, Betts's consistent performance and his role as a key player for the Dodgers make him a strong candidate for the All-Star team.
In conclusion, these 10 players have been flying under the radar, but they deserve more recognition and should be in the spotlight for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. Fans can vote daily during Phase 1 of the balloting, which runs until noon ET on June 25. The top two players at each position (and top six outfielders) per league will advance to the finals to contend for a starting spot. It's time to give these players the love they deserve.
