Predicting 2026 First-Time MLB All-Stars

Several young stars are still searching for their first-time All-Star nods, but these players have what it takes to make that happen in 2026.

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March 10, 2026

With the World Baseball Classic and MLB spring training underway, the 2026 MLB season is right around the corner. As such, we thought we’d take a look at the players who have good chances to become first-time MLB All-Stars in 2026.

Catcher Drake Baldwin – Atlanta Braves

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Drake Baldwin won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2025, so an All-Star appearance seems like a matter of time. In 124 games, Baldwin hit .274 with 80 RBI, an .810 OPS, and a 3.3 WAR. He also exuded great plate discipline for a rookie, striking out 68 times with 38 walks. The Atlanta Braves had a miserable 2025 season, so Baldwin flew under the radar as a result. The Braves should be much better in 2026. Still, Baldwin must match the production of NL catchers like Will Smith and William Contreras, who posted WARs of 4.5 and 3.9 last year, respectively. If he can, a first All-Star nod might come his way.

Outfielder Wyatt Langford – Texas Rangers

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Is it crazy to say Wyatt Langford is already the best left fielder in the league? In his second season, Langford posted a 5.6 WAR, aided by his nine outs above average. He also hit 22 home runs, stole the same number of bases, and drew 74 walks. Not bad for a second-year corner outfielder. The American League is loaded in the outfield with players like Aaron Judge and Julio Rodriguez, both of whom made the 2025 All-MLB First Team. Like the Braves, the Texas Rangers should be better in 2026, allowing Langford a better chance to make his first All-Star team.

Pitcher Gavin Williams – Cleveland Guardians

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Gavin Williams had an incredible 2025, posting a 3.06 ERA and 3.8 WAR in 31 starts. He also struck out 173 batters, a number that ranked inside the top 30 in baseball. At 26 years old, it’s clear he’s scratching the surface of his potential. As usual, the Cleveland Guardians are expected to lean on their rotation to make the playoffs in 2026. Williams figures to bear the brunt of it, so if he can handle a heavy workload and still produce, his first All-Star appearance certainly seems plausible.

Shortstop Zach Neto – Los Angeles Angels

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When you play in the same league as Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson, it’s not an easy feat to make the All-Star team at the shortstop position. However, Zach Neto has as good a case as any to make it for the first time. Neto has quietly posted back-to-back 5.1 WAR seasons, hitting 49 home runs and stealing 56 bases in the process. Every MLB team gets at least one All-Star nod, so with the Los Angeles Angels not being the most talented team, Neto is the likeliest option if he can outperform his competition.

Outfielder Roman Anthony – Boston Red Sox

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Few players have more hype surrounding them than Roman Anthony as Opening Day approaches. The hype is warranted, as Anthony posted a 3.1 WAR in 71 games last year. He also showed tremendous plate discipline, great defense, and good power down the stretch. Even in the World Baseball Classic, Anthony has turned heads with five RBI in three games for Team USA. The outfield competition is crowded in the American League, but Anthony has the potential to rise above the rest.