We are less than a week away from the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia. The game’s best will descend on the city of brotherly love and fight for league superiority. While MLB has announced which players will be in the Midsummer Classic, the baseball team here at Blitz Sports decided to put together a list of who we believed was most deserving to start the Midsummer Classic. Here is the starting lineup and pitcher for the American League.
The Blitz Sports All-Star Starting Lineup for the American League
Catcher: Dillon Dingler, Detroit Tigers: Dillon Dingler has been in the middle of a breakout season. In 84 games this season, he has a slash line of .262/.323/.514 with 19 home runs, 60 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 128. He has already surpassed his home run and RBI totals from last season, which were the best of his career. He is also on pace to set new career highs in runs, hits, OPS, and OPS+. He also leads all AL catchers in RBIs, Slugging%, xwOBA, wRC+, and WAR. It appears Dingler can be an all-star for years to come.
First Base: Nick Kurtz, Athletics: While there are many deserving candidates for this spot, Nick Kurtz stands out the most. He has quickly established himself as the face of the Athletics’ young core. In 90 games this season, he has slashed .271/.410/.505 with 20 home runs, 66 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 148. He leads all AL first basemen in runs, RBIs, On-Base%, BABIP, and WAR. Being the starting first baseman during the All-Star Game would also show the national audience the strong core the A’s have developed.
Second Base: Travis Bazzana, Cleveland Guardians: Few second basemen have made as much of an impact this season as Travis Bazzana. Since being called up to the majors on April 28th, he has been on a tear. In 60 games, he has slashed .244/.333/.404 with seven home runs, 27 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 107. While he does not lead second basemen in any categories, had he played the whole season, he would be in the top five in most categories. The All-Star Game is the perfect chance to display an up-and-coming star.
Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: Just as expected, Bobby Witt Jr. is tearing the cover off the ball. In 86 games this season, he has slashed .290/.362/.462 with 12 home runs, 38 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 133. He ranks in the top five in every statistical category among shortstops and in the top two in most of them. He should be a candidate for AL MVP for the third season in a row. Sure, there are other great shortstops in the AL, but none that eclipse Witt’s greatness.
Third Base: Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays: Junior Caminero is picking up right where he left off in 2025. In 89 games, he slashed .281/.370/.547 with 26 home runs, 56 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 151. He is without question the best power-hitting third baseman in the AL, leading the league in home runs, slugging, and ISO. It’s a big reason why he was one of the first people to accept the invitation to the Home Run Derby. We should be in store for a big week of Caminero.
Right Field: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: For the first time since 2023, Mike Trout finds himself back in the All-Star Game. He has turned back the clock this season and has been able to stay on the field. In 75 games, he has slashed .234/.394/.472 with 17 home runs, 36 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 145. In an All-Star weekend that is going to be dominated by young stars, seeing the greatest player of the 2010s is a welcome sight. It will seem like a passing-of-the-torch moment.
Center Field: Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton is having one of his best seasons in years. Similar to Trout, he has been able to stay healthy. In 75 games, he has slashed .271/.328/.575 with 25 home runs, 45 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 146. This All-Star Game is an opportunity for Buxton to remind the baseball world just how good of a player he is. To show why he was once the best prospect in all of baseball and can be the guy that the Minnesota Twins continue to build around.
Left Field: Randy Arozarena, Seattle Mariners: He’s not on everyone’s radar, but Randy Arozarena has put together a great season. In 84 games, he has slashed .290/.381/.453 with nine home runs, 41 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 139. He may not have the power numbers, but he’s been one of the most efficient outfielders at the plate. He leads all left fielders in wRC+. He also has the second most stolen bases. He is someone who can bring excitement to the All-Star Game with his contact and speed.
Designated Hitter: Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros: A big reason why the Houston Astros have turned their season around has been the play of Yordan Alvarez. In 92 games, he has slashed .313/.420/.621 with 29 home runs, 67 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 188. He leads the majors in On-Base%, Slugging%, OPS, OPS+, xwOBA, and wRC+. He also leads the American League in hits, runs, home runs, and RBIs. He is arguably the best hitter that will participate during the All-Star Game.
Starting Pitcher: Cam Schlittler, New York Yankees: No pitcher has dominated the American League like Cam Schlittler. In 19 starts, he has a 2.01 ERA over 112 innings, with 131 strikeouts to 21 walks, a 0.929 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 209. He currently leads the majors in strikeout-to-walk ratio. He also leads the AL in ERA, ERA+, and FIP. With how he has overpowered the AL, he is an easy choice to start the All-Star Game for them. He should put on a show few will forget.
