Author: Eternity Lab

SEATTLE —”Great moments are born from great opportunity.”

It’s little wonder why USA coach Mauricio Pochettino co-opted one of the most famous quotes in American sports history in the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noted fan of the Miracle on Ice that he has become.

Originally, the sentiment applied to the entire tournament. Now, it perfectly encapsulates Monday’s all-or-nothing round of 16 contest here against Belgium.

This is the big one.

(Photo by Lyndsay Radnedge/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images).

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In the last three World Cups the U.S. mens national team participated in, it was eliminated at this stage. But none of those teams was riding the wave of momentum that has captured the imagination of the American public over the last month. None talked openly about winning the whole thing. Most crucially, none of them were playing here at home.

“As a team, we want to leave our mark on the game and a legacy behind,” veteran midfielder Tyler Adams said on Friday. “I want it to be more than just what this moment has created and the hype around it.”

Only a victory will accomplish that.

(Photo by Erin Chang/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

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As well as the co-hosts have done so far at this World Cup — including winning a World Cup knockout match for the first time since 2002 — what has long been considered a golden generation of players has yet to manage even one so-called “signature” win against a truly elite foe. In the round of 16 at Qatar 2022, they were thoroughly outclassed in a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands.

Monday represents a chance to show how much they’ve improved in the almost four years since. Last week’s do-or-die 2-0 triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the new round of 32 was a good start.

Now it gets real.

“You need to embrace the moment, that’s for sure, to have an opportunity to play in around a 16 game, which obviously in the last World Cup we did,” Adams said before the U.S. trained Saturday at Husky Stadium on the University of Washington campus. “It’s exciting. It was nice to get a little bit of a taste of what it feels like to play with something a little bit more on the line in the last game. I think that’s good preparation.”

Still, topping Belgium is another matter entirely. The Red Devils embarrassed the Americans in a March exhibition in Atlanta, coming from behind to beat the home team, 5-2.

(Photo by Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

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Adams didn’t play in that match because of injury. Neither did five others who started against the Bosnians: keeper Matt Freese, defenders Alex Freeman and Chris Richards and wing back Sergiño Dest.

“It doesn’t matter,” Ream said of the last meeting with Belgium. “This is a completely different game than in March.”

He’s right. It’s easily the Stars and Stripes’ biggest game of this World Cup so far.

Belgium is an aging team. Coach Rudi Garcia’s roster still boasts four players who featured when the Belgians topped the U.S., 2-1, in extra time in the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, including keeper Thibaut Courtois and the two goalscorers that night in Salvador, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. But they’re still stacked. Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku, in particular, gave the U.S. fits in Atlanta.

(Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)

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Containing him will be a team effort, with Dest and Freeman requiring support from midfield destroyer Adams, center back Richards and anyone else in the proximity.

“We will make it really difficult for their wingers to even go behind our defense,” Dest vowed. 

Easier said than done. 

“Not a lot of teams in the world can slow [Doku] down,” said Adams.

That’s the assignment nonetheless.

Chances like this don’t come along very often. The fanbase that has wholeheartedly embraced this team will quickly forget the three games they’ve won at this World Cup if they don’t take advantage and go at least one step further than they have in almost a quarter-century. 

If they do, though, the legacy Pochettino, Adams and others have talked about leaving will be secure. The U.S. would then have a chance, mostly pressure-free, to upset Spain or Portugal and reach the semifinals. 

Do that, and these 26 players will walk together for the rest of their lives.

“Taking this thing as far as we can is the most important thing,” Adams said. “We have a good opportunity here to do so.”

Locked in as they are on Belgium, the bigger picture must remain in the background for now. But they all know it’s there. 

“We are, as we all continue to say, very aware of the impact that we’re having around the country,” said Ream, who called Monday’s game an “opportunity to continue to inspire tens of millions of people, inspire kids.”

It’s one this U.S. team has earned. We’ll see if they can turn it into a moment no American soccer fan will ever forget.

USA vs. Beglium

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Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar is finally fit enough to feature for a full 90 minutes at the World Cup. The Italian tactician also candidly admitted that the country’s all-time leading goalscorer is deeply unhappy with his restricted substitute role.

Neymar Overcomes Calf Injury

Neymar could finally play a prominent role for Brazil at the tournament after completely overcoming a troublesome right calf injury. The 34-year-old forward has endured a frustrating campaign, registering just a single 14-minute cameo off the bench during the group stage victory over Scotland. However, concerns regarding his match fitness have now been officially dispelled by his manager, handing the Seleção a massive offensive boost ahead of their encounter against Norway at New York/New Jersey Stadium. 

Ancelotti Evaluates Fitness Levels

During an interview with Folha de S. Paulo, Ancelotti offered a detailed assessment of how Neymar is managing life on the sidelines.

When questioned whether he would continue to hold the forward in reserve for a potential extra-time period — having kept him unused on the bench against Japan for that exact reason — the veteran Italian tactician highlighted Neymar’s maturity and ability to dictate matches.

He stated: “The important thing is that he is available to play. How long he will play, nobody knows. He has the experience to manage his minutes and the tempo of the game. When I feel the team needs him, I will put him on [the pitch].”

The former Real Madrid head coach then responded directly to queries regarding the forward’s physical capacity to last a full match: “Yes. He can play 90 minutes.”

Neymar Handles Bench Role

Addressing the emotional challenges of a world-class player being named among the substitutes, the boss offered praise for his exemplary conduct: “He is not happy, but he is behaving very well.

“He is training very well. Neymar is highly respectful, amiable, and loved by his teammates. He is an important character in the squad because he possesses immense quality and is a very humble person. I am very happy with him. And obviously, he wants to play, just as he always has.”

When asked if Neymar had openly demanded an inclusion in the starting XI, the head coach clarified the internal dynamic: “He doesn’t directly say ‘I want to play,’ but that desire is quite clear. And it’s a positive thing. A player cannot be happy sitting on the bench.”

Scintillating Attacking Showdown Awaits

Brazil faces a demanding test in the round of 16 against an in-form Norway side led by prolific striker Erling Haaland. The Seleção enter the clash on a seven-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, heavily relying on the stellar form of Vinícius Júnior. Neutralizing Norway’s physical aerial threat while successfully utilizing Neymar’s creative brilliance at any stage of the match will likely be paramount if Ancelotti’s men are to book a quarter-final berth.

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In the history of the men’s World Cup, in every tournament, there is always at least one fixture that you return to in order to capture the essence of that particular edition. It’s a match stapled in your psyche because it delivered everything that you expected, not just from a footballing perspective, but from a cultural one too.

It’s a matchup of two nations coming together and delivering a majestic spectacle of football and in the end, you forever remember the host nation because it played the role of narrator to one of the best matches you have ever witnessed.

I can think of a few. The final from 2022 in Qatar, for example, between Argentina and France. Or Brazil’s 3-2 win over the Netherlands in the 1994 quarterfinal encounter or the semifinal between Italy and West Germany in the 1970 World Cup, which was the first time Mexico hosted the tournament. 

Again and again, we return to these matches because they become important memories that enhance the notion that this is indeed the greatest sport and the greatest tournament and nothing comes close.  

I think England’s match against Mexico in Mexico City will be one of them. 

The prelude to the match has already given us drama. The discussion about the effects of the city’s altitude. The hotel choice for England’s squad in order to minimize potential disruption. Reports about how weather could disrupt or change the kick-off time.

These teams have something in common (aside from a penchant for serving beans for breakfast). Both are among the most followed teams anywhere in the world, but whose rich history in the sport hasn’t quite measured that reach.

But that’s where the similarity may end, because this match – out of any so far – will be the biggest spectacle at this World Cup. And there are so many reasons why. 

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Let’s begin with the host. Mexico, under Javier “Vasco” Aguirre, has been a revelation and one of the best teams at the tournament. So far, it has won every match leading up to this point without conceding a single goal and with the likes of Julián Quiñones (three goals, one assist) and a determined Raúl Jiménez (two goals), El Tri can hurt anyone at any moment. This, however, is a team that fully represents the concept of togetherness. It is brave, cohesive and extremely difficult to break.

The other component is the stadium itself, as it brings joy and a sense of energetic momentum for the host and ghosts of the past for the visitor. I’ll get to that in a moment.

But first, think about this. In 10 World Cup matches, Mexico has never lost at this iconic ground and only twice has it suffered defeat in international competition in 89 fixtures. The crowd is the most intense audience out of any we will see at this World Cup. The experience of players who have dealt with this before often tell me that it is the equivalent of being lost in an ocean of noise, where the chanting and screaming and the roaring is so loud, not only can you not communicate with your teammates. You can’t even hear yourself think. 

The crowd has been a powerful force for Mexico at the World Cup. (Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images)

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Whenever England has the ball, it will require complete focus because the booing and whistling will be overwhelming. 

There are literally vibrations inside the stadium due to the stomping and as fans sing “Cielito Lindo” and “Olé, Olé, Olé,” you can’t feel anything but an overwhelming sense of domination by one collective voice.

I know England very well. It is a part of my heart. I was accidentally born there to my Peruvian parents (a story for another day) and grew up there after leaving Perú in the early 90s. My youth is because of England. I have many English family members and loved ones and still go back year after year. I cover the Premier League and know English football culture very well.

I can tell any English fan that this will be the most hostile and loudest atmosphere the Three Lions have ever faced and my hope for Thomas Tuchel is that most of this preparation is psychological, not physical. There is also the memory of the past, as this was the venue for one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history — Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” secured Argentina’s win over England in the quarterfinal of the 1986 World Cup. 

England has not been back to Mexico City since then. Until now. 

The altitude remains the most talked-about factor and rightly so. At about 7,220 to 7,352 feet above sea level, the need for oxygen becomes more urgent as it drops 20% per breath, so for athletes, running and finding your energy is harder. 

England players training in Mexico City. (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images) –>

Remember how I am Peruvian? Growing up, I would go to Cusco (the Inca capital and where my father was born) every year and that’s at 11,152 feet, which is significantly higher, but the point remains. It’s the same reason why Bolivia plays its World Cup qualifiers in El Alto (13,615 feet) because it’s a sizable advantage. 

Now, Mexico City is much lower, but the effects will be present, so England’s strategy needs to be drawn up in accordance to the altitude. There is no room for maybe or maybe not. It must. Tuchel’s priority must be to keep the ball and not chase it, otherwise, this could become an even bigger mountain to climb. This is also where hydration breaks are key. 

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England’s quest to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966 has now arrived at the ultimate challenge: to beat a confident, strong, assured Mexico at their home. In front of their people. With the skies against them. 

Mexico’s quest is to continue on this historic run and to achieve something that has not been done since 1986 and 1970, which is to reach the quarterfinal stage of the World Cup. 

The venue is set. A wonderful city is ready to create an enormous atmosphere. All that is left is for Sunday evening to arrive, and for the gods of nature to leave us alone with their thunderstorm warnings.

We won’t need them. Because the actual thunderstorm will be inside the stadium, created by 80,000 people. And the would-be legends who’ll step on the pitch of one of the game’s cathedrals.

World Cup Related Stories

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Ange Postecoglou was named the new coach of Saudi Pro League champion Al-Nassr on a two-year deal on Friday.

The Australian steps into one of the highest profile roles in Asian soccer, inheriting a squad led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. 

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 21: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy following the match between Al Nassr and Damac at Al Awwal Park on May 21, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

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“A new chapter.” Al-Nassr said in a statement. “Our best wishes for success to him and his staff in their journey with the global club, God willing.”

The 60-year-old Postecoglou’s managerial career has spanned Australia, Japan, Scotland, and England, with league titles secured at Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Celtic. He also won the Europa League trophy with Tottenham in 2025.

His most recent post was at Nottingham Forest last October, when he was sacked after eight games and 39 days in the shortest managerial reign in Premier League history.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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The round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, and the quarterfinals bracket is starting to fill out.

As the biggest World Cup ever continues, the round of 16 began Saturday, and Morocco and France were the first teams to punch their tickets into the next round. It only gets harder from here.

So as teams advance and others are eliminated from contention, here’s a live look at the World Cup quarterfinals bracket. 

Thursday, July 9

Kylian Mbappé scored on a penalty kick in France’s win over Paraguay.  (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)

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Boston Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

The first matchup of the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals is set. And it’s a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinals, which Les Bleus won, 2-0.

Morocco defeated Canada, 3-0, on Saturday in the round of 16 matchup at Houston Stadium to advance, and it’s now the first African team to reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals. 

While all three tournament co-hosts made it to the round of 16, by virtue of scheduling, Canada is the first home team to be eliminated from contention.

Behind Golden Boot candidate Kylian Mbappé, France knocked out Paraguay on Saturday at Philadelphia Stadium with a 1-0 win. 

Morocco and France will face off in the World Cup quarterfinals game on Thursday, July 9 at Boston Stadium on FOX (stream on FOX One). 

Morocco was ranked No. 7 in FIFA’s latest rankings, while France was No. 3 behind Argentina and Spain, respectively.

Friday, July 10

Spain vs. USA/Belgium

Mikel Merino scored the lone goal in Spain’s win over Portugal. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP via Getty Images)

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Los Angeles Stadium (3 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX One)

If the USA advances to the quarterfinals, its opponent for that match is now set. Spain defeated Portugal on Monday, winning 1-0 as Mikel Merino broke the scoreless tie in stoppage time. With the win, Spain is in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2010, when it won the World Cup. 

Spain will take on the winner of Monday’s USA-Belgium match on Friday, July 10 at 3 p.m. ET at Los Angeles Stadium on FOX (stream on FOX One). 

Saturday, July 11

Erling Haaland scored both goals for Norway in its win over Brazil. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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Miami Stadium (5 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX One)

England has moved on to the quarterfinals for the third straight World Cup. It took down Mexico on Sunday, winning 3-2 at Mexico City Stadium as it played the majority of the second half with just 10 men. England will take on a team that’s making its quarterfinals debut at the World Cup. Erling Haaland scored both goals for Norway in its upset victory over Brazil, which also put him in a tie for first place in the Golden Boot race. England and Norway will battle in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11 at 5 p.m. ET at Miami Stadium on FOX (stream on FOX One). 

Argentina-Egypt Winner vs. Switzerland-Colombia Winner

(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Kansas City Stadium (9 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX One)

The winner of these two round of 16 matches will advance to the quarterfinals and will play on Saturday, July 11 at 9 p.m. ET at Kansas City Stadium on FOX (stream on FOX One). 

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What better way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than having the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia?

The stars will be on display on Tuesday, July 14 (8 p.m. ET on FOX and streaming live on FOX One). Veterans like Freddie Freeman and Chris Sale have been named to their 10th All-Star Game, while superstar Shohei Ohtani is making his sixth straight start and Aaron Judge his eighth.

Below, check out the entire roster and why each player was selected to his league’s roster for the Midsummer Classic (with stats entering play on July 4). 

Click below to navigate this post.
American League: Starters | Reserves | Pitchers
National League: Starters | Reserves | Pitchers

American League

Starters

Langeliers’ 20 home runs are the second-most among catchers this season. The 28-year-old has hit at least 20 homers in four straight seasons now as he’s been named an All-Star for the first time in his career.

Coming off the heels of leading the Blue Jays to the AL pennant in 2025, Guerrero is an All-Star for the sixth straight year. 

Clement’s 22 doubles lead the American League this season. It’s the third straight season that he has recorded at least 20 doubles. 

Witt’s 29 stolen bases are the second-most in baseball this season and tops in the AL. He’s also one of five players with at least 10 home runs (12) and 20 stolen bases this season, and he leads the American League in wins above replacement.

Prior to this year, Bobby Witt Jr. may have been the best player in MLB to not start an All-Star Game. (Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Caminero’s 25 home runs are the third-most in the American League this season. Not only that, but his 70 home runs since the start of the 2025 season are tied with Aaron Judge for the most in the AL.

Trout is an All-Star for the 12th time in his career, extending his record among active players. However, it’s the first time he’s been named an All-Star since 2023, as Trout has had a resurgent 2026 campaign. His .866 OPS is the second-best mark among American League outfielders.

Buxton is an All-Star for the third time in his career, getting the nod as he leads all American League outfielders in home runs (25) and OPS (.898).

Byron Buxton is a big reason why the Twins are contending in the AL Central this season. (Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Judge has been named an All-Star for the sixth straight season, even though he’s been out for nearly a month due to a rib injury. Judge’s .907 OPS would’ve been the best mark among American League outfielders had he played enough games to qualify, and his 12.6 at-bats per home run would be the fifth-most among all MLB players if he had played enough games to qualify this season. 

Álvarez has arguably been the best hitter in the American League this season. His 27 homers are the most among AL hitters, and he’s the only MLB player with an OPS north of 1.000 this season at 1.055.

Reserves

Dingler was a better hitter in his second MLB season than in his first, and in his third, he’s already surpassed not just his career-best home run output, but his career total, with 19. Dingler is slugging .531 and has the second-most catcher framing runs in the majors.

Rutschman’s 2025 was injury-shortened and disappointing, but he’s once again performing like he’s shown he’s capable of. Rutschman has his best offensive numbers since 2023, thanks to hitting .252/.324/.449, and ranks third in the bigs in catcher framing runs, too.

Kurtz is third in MLB this season in OPS among qualified hitters and leads all hitters with 76 walks, eight ahead of Nationals outfielder James Wood in second place. He’s also tied for second in runs scored, trailing only Wood.

In his second season, Nick Kurtz has established himself as one of the best hitters in MLB. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

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Rice hit 26 homers in his first full season in the majors a year ago, and now he has 24 dingers before the All-Star break to lead the Yankees. He’s also tops on the team in OPS+, at 156 – yes, even ahead of Aaron Judge. 

The top two picks from the 2024 MLB draft made the All-Star Game this year. Bazzana went first overall, and Reds right-hander Chase Burns went second. He is second among qualified AL second basemen in OPS over the past month.

If you aren’t familiar with the Tigers’ rookie shortstop, now’s the time: McGonigle is just 21 years old, but has already managed to hit .284/.384/.425 in his first exposure to big-league pitching, and has been exceptional defensively, whether at short or third base. He’s even second in the AL behind Bobby Witt Jr. in wins above replacement.

Vargas never hit well in his two-and-a-half seasons with the Dodgers, but the White Sox tweaked his mechanics and got a league-average campaign out of the third baseman in 2025. In 2026, he’s taken things a few steps further: Vargas has 20 homers, four more than he hit in what was previously a breakout campaign, and is leading the surprise contenders in WAR.

Bellinger’s resurgence in New York has continued into its second year, with him making his first All-Star team since 2019, when, as a 23-year-old, he also earned NL MVP honors. Bellinger’s excellent outfield defense and .351 on-base percentage make him stand out in 2026.

Former NL MVP Cody Bellinger is thriving this season in the Bronx. (Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

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The Tigers are having a tough year, but Greene is as good as always, albeit in a different way. The left fielder has just 11 homers, off his pace of 36 from last summer, but he has already nearly matched 2025’s walk total with 45, and is batting .284/.373/.445. 

There are few steadier hands in the league than Arozarena, who has hit at least 20 homers with at least 20 steals every season since 2021. The Mariners’ outfielder is already at 19 bags in 2026 and has a team-leading .370 on-base percentage.

All he does is hit, and Díaz currently leads the American League with a .325 batting average and 101 hits. He also has an OBP over .400 and is slugging just under .500 – these aren’t empty singles, nor hacking. 

Pitchers

The 31-year-old Baker has a 1.83 ERA through his first 36 appearances this season. His previous career high was 3.49, which came back in 2022.

The Blue Jays have had a tough time repeating 2025’s success, but Toronto’s major free agent acquisition has thrived. Cease has a 2.79 ERA, his lowest since 2022, and leads the American League in strikeouts with 137 in just 90 ⅓ innings.

Chapman’s late-career resurgence continues with his second All-Star nod in as many seasons with the Red Sox. While Chapman’s control isn’t quite what it was in ’25, he still has a 2.10 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 25 ⅔ innings with 17 saves.

Latz has 1.9 WAR this season as a reliever in 33 appearances. His 1.71 ERA is impressive, but his 0.62 WHIP stands out even more.

Messick shined in his 2025 debut, but he’s actually still a rookie this season. He’s also just as good, if not better, than he showed in his brief stint last summer: Messick now has a 2.82 ERA over 24 career starts for the Guardians, and he’s sixth in the AL in ERA+ (146) in 2026.

No pitcher is more responsible for the success of the AL East-leading Rays than Rasmussen, who has a 2.45 ERA over 16 starts and 92 innings in ‘26. Rasmussen’s 1.6 walks per nine is the lowest rate in the majors among qualifiers, and he’s allowed the fewest hits per nine in the AL while also posting the top K/BB.

Ryan has been his typical reliable self in 2026, and it resulted in his second consecutive All-Star nod. Ryan has struck out 5.14 times as many batters as he’s walked, the fourth-best mark in the AL.

Schlittler has not only held down the fort when top arms Gerrit Cole and Max Fried were, respectively, out of the Yankees’ rotation this season, but the 25-year-old righty leads the American League in pitcher wins above replacement thanks to an AL-best 2.08 ERA over 104 innings.

Smith has been a force out of the Guardians’ bullpen and leads the majors in saves with 26. To this point, he has posted a career-best strikeout rate (13 per nine) and is on pace for this third straight season with 100+ strikeouts out of the ‘pen.

Suárez has continued being one of the most dependable starters in MLB after moving to the Red Sox in free agency before this season. His 2.94 ERA would be the lowest of his career since becoming a full-time starting pitcher ahead of the 2022 season.

Varland had a breakout season out of the Twins’ bullpen a year ago before he was traded to the Blue Jays, and he’s been dominant for Toronto in 2026. Varland has a 0.96 ERA in 42 appearances and has struck out 65 of the 181 batters he’s faced.

Wacha has been Mr. Reliable for whatever team he has been on over the past five seasons. This would be his fourth season in the last five with an ERA below 3.40. He leads MLB with 108 2/3 innings pitched so far this season.

Michael Wacha has been his usually reliable self so far this season for the Royals. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

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National League

Starters

Baldwin has been a key reason why the Braves have a top-10 offense in baseball this season. The second-year catcher has 14 homers in just 62 games this season, giving him the second-best at-bats per home run (17.6) on the team.

Freeman is an All-Star for the 10th time in his career, which is tied for the second-most among active players. His .293 batting average is the best mark among all first basemen this season. 

Albies has been a force of consistency for the Braves this season. He’s the only second baseman in the National League with at least 10 homers (14) and a batting average of at least .270 (.273).

Abrams has been named an All-Star for the second time in three seasons. Abrams is third in the National League in RBIs (60) and offensive bWAR (3.4), as his 18 homers lead all NL shortstops.

CJ Abrams has established himself as a star this season with the Nationals. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

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Muncy has established himself as the top third baseman in the National League this season. The Dodgers star’s OPS is over .100 points better than any other NL third baseman at .873. His 17 homers are also tied for the most among NL third basemen this season. 

Marsh has been one of the best hitters in baseball this season, regardless of position. His .315 batting average and .523 slugging percentage are both in the top 10 among all National League hitters this season. 

If 2025 was considered a down year for Soto, then he’s bounced back in 2026. He’s been one of the lone bright spots for a floundering Mets squad, with his .406 OBP and .957 OPS leading all National League hitters, and 18 homers despite time missed to injury.

Pages has emerged as arguably the Dodgers’ second-best hitter this season, and leads Los Angeles in wins above replacement. He’s in the top 10 in the National League in doubles (21) and RBIs (62), and leads the majors in defensive WAR.

Ohtani is having another superstar season at the plate. He’s second in the National League in OPS (.927) and ninth in home runs (18). Ohtani also leads all players in fWAR (5.8), with his stellar season on the mound helping to boost that number. 

Reserves

Since getting traded to the Brewers ahead of the 2023 season, Contreras has been one of the best catchers in baseball. His dependability stands out. He has played at least 150 games in each of the last two seasons and has appeared in 82 of the Brewers’ 86 games entering Saturday.

Goodman was already an excellent hitter, but his power game has gone to the next level. He hit a career-high 31 homers in 202, and is already at 27 this summer, second behind Kyle Schwarber.

Olson is now a four-time All-Star after hitting 22 homers and posting the eighth-best OPS in the National League through July 3. The 32-year-old first baseman is a huge part of the Braves’ first-place play in 2026. 

Harper makes his return as an All-Star with his first nod since 2024 and third with Philadelphia. Harper has 20 home runs (fifth in the NL), a .374 on-base percentage (tied for 10th), .532 slugging (sixth in the NL) and ranks 10th in adjusted OPS+ (141).

Arráez is in the midst of a bounce-back season, hitting .326 with an .825 OPS. His current .465 slugging percentage would be the second highest of his career.

It’s July 4, and López has already had his best season in the majors. MLB’s batting average leader – he’s hitting .337 – is also leading the majors in hits with 117, and ranks sixth in the NL in wins above replacement and ninth in OPS+.

Otto Lopez has been the key man for the Miami Marlins, who are surprisingly in playoff contention. (Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images)

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The 22-year-old Stewart showed signs of being a potential difference-maker last season in just 18 games. So far this season, he has 17 home runs while splitting time between first and third base. He has made 27 starts at the hot corner and 47 at first base – and five more at second base.

Crow-Armstrong was a mess at the start of the season – dating back to the last All-Star Game – but you’d never know it looking at what he’s done since. PCA leads the majors in wins above replacement both because of an indescribably great glove in center, and because he’s now hitting .287/.374/.526 with 19 homers despite an extended slow start.

Carroll is one of the stars of the game, and the 25-year-old has now made his third All-Star team in four seasons. He is leading the majors in triples for the third season in a row with 10, and has 30 other extra-base hits, too. He’s also having his best defensive season in the majors.

The power potential was always there for Walker, and he realized it in 2026. He’s leading the NL in RBIs with 63, and got there with 19 homers and the senior circuit’s seventh-best adjusted OPS+ (143).

Wood cut his strikeout rate down a couple of percentage points, and the results have been stunning: Wood now leads the NL in walks with 66, as well as total bases with 182, thanks to 22 doubles and homers each, with a triple for good measure.

James Wood leads MLB in runs scored amidst a star-making season in Washington. (Natalie Reid/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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Schwarber has continued his torrid home run pace from 2025, and leads the majors as the only player to hit 30 this season. Schwarber’s .570 slugging percentage ranks first in the NL, too, and he’s hitting a home run a league-best every 10.5 at-bats.

Pitchers

Burns showed promise in 2025 when he struck out 13.9 batters per nine in 43 ⅓ innings as a rookie, and that promise has been delivered upon this summer. The 23-year-old right-hander has a 2.40 ERA that ranks fifth in a stacked NL, and he’s behind only Cristopher Sánchez in pitcher WAR.

The Phillies acquired closer Duran to anchor their bullpen last summer, and now he’s done that so well that he’s made his first All-Star team. Duran is leading the National League in games finished (30) and is tied with Mason Miller for the most saves (21), and has done this with a 1.52 ERA.

Iglesias is 12 years into his career, and this is his first All-Star nomination. All it took was one of the best relievers around getting even better: he has a 1.53 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 29 ⅓ innings against a single homer and just six walks.

Raisel Iglesias has had plenty of save opportunities for the first-place Braves this season. (Brett Davis/Getty Images)

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Meyer’s 2.53 ERA ranks sixth in the NL and eighth in the majors, and he got there by cutting way down on the homers while striking out a career-best 26.3% of batters faced.

Miller has just two pitches, but one of them goes well over 100 mph and the other moves in an impossible way. The result? A 0.78 ERA and nearly twice as many strikeouts (66) as innings (34 ⅔), leading to an NL-best 21 saves.

Misiorowski was a late surprise addition to the NL All-Star squad in his rookie 2025, but there’s no question as to his making it this time around. He’s struck out a league-best 156 batters in 104 innings, and his 1.47 ERA is the fifth-best in the last 50 years through 17 starts. Oh, and he’s the only starter to have ever thrown a pitch of at least 105 mph.

The 33-year-old southpaw has had a resurgent season that is on pace to be the best of his career. Rodríguez’s 2.21 ERA would be by far the best of his career, and his 1.18 WHIP is a massive improvement from his 1.54 mark last season.

The 6-foot-6 lefty once made seven straight All-Star teams, and has a new streak going late in his career: This marks his third All-Star nod in three tries with the Braves. Sale’s 2.10 ERA is third in the NL and fourth in the majors, and he’s still striking out five times as many batters as he walks, even at 37.

Sánchez leads the majors with 117 innings and a 5.91 K/BB. He led MLB in pitcher wins above replacement a year ago, and, despite the performance of Misiorowski and other aces around the league, he’s tops in that stat again this year.

The reigning NL Cy Young winner is having a down year. For Skenes, though, that means he has “just” a 3.62 ERA and the third-best K/BB in the NL. This is his third All-Star team in as many seasons.

Webb has defined consistency over the past six seasons. His lowest ERA in that span was 2.90, and his highest entering this season was 3.47. That makes his 3.66 ERA this season a bit of an abnormality, but his 3.31 FIP indicates better results are around the corner.

Yamamoto’s strikeouts are down, but his walks are, too: his K/BB is even better thanks to this, and he’s second in the NL and fifth in the majors in walks per nine at 1.71, leading to the No. 7 ERA in the NL (2.67).

How to Watch the 2026 MLB All-Star Game

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is Tuesday, July 14, with first pitch at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, live from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Watch the MLB All-Star Game on FOX One for live and on-demand streaming.

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The full slate of 2026 MLB All-Star Game starters is set, featuring stacked lineups oozing with star power on both sides. 

The American League will send C Shea Langeliers, 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 2B Ernie Clement, SS Bobby Witt Jr., 3B Junior Caminero, DH Yordan Alvarez and an outfield of Mike Trout, Byron Buxton and Aaron Judge to Philadelphia. 

The National League counters with C Drake Baldwin, 1B Freddie Freeman, 2B Ozzie Albies, SS CJ Abrams, 3B Max Muncy, DH Shohei Ohtani and an outfield trio of Brandon Marsh, Juan Soto and Andy Pages.

From a loaded Dodgers contingent to first-time starters finally getting their due to a hometown hero taking the field in his own ballpark, this year’s group of starters offers plenty to unpack heading into the Midsummer Classic on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park. 

Here’s a closer look at the biggest takeaways behind the names.

1. Mike Trout Is Back At The Midsummer Classic

As long as he’s healthy enough to take the field, this will be Trout’s first All-Star start since 2019, breaking a stretch of injury-shortened seasons that had removed the future Hall of Famer from the summer festivities. 

Before landing on the injured list with a right hamstring strain, Trout was putting together a genuinely excellent season. He has a 145 OPS+, 17 home runs and 2.8 WAR through 74 games. His 12 career All-Star selections lead all 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)

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There’s a storybook element to it, too. Philadelphia’s Midsummer Classic is just 40 miles from Trout’s hometown of Millville, New Jersey. The 34-year-old outfielder actually grew up a supporter of Philadelphia sports, best known as a die-hard Eagles fan. 

Trout has said he’s hoping to be healthy enough to play in front of that hometown crowd. Judge, by contrast, won’t be back from his rib injury until after the All-Star break, making Trout’s potential return timeline all the more meaningful for the AL lineup.

2. The Dodgers’ Quartet Takes Centerstage

The Dodgers are sending four starters to Philadelphia, headlined by Shohei Ohtani, who extended his All-Star record by earning a sixth consecutive fan election at designated hitter after winning Phase 1 of the voting outright. Before this streak, no player had been the starting DH at the All-Star Game for more than three years in a row. Hall of Famer David Ortiz was the last, starting as DH from 2011-13. Joining Ohtani as fan-voted Dodgers 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)

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This is Freeman’s 10th All-Star selection and the sixth start of his career after comfortably leading Matt Olson throughout Phase 2 of the voting. It’s also a milestone for Muncy, who earned his first All-Star selection as a starter (third of his 11-year career). Muncy is the first Dodgers third baseman to start the Midsummer Classic since Ron Cey in 1977. Pages rounds out the group after a last-minute jump from fourth place to third place in the NL voting process. 

It’s a continuation of the Dodgers’ outsized presence at the All-Star Game in recent years, with the four starters reflecting both the club’s star power and its fan base’s voting muscle. Four starting nods give Los Angeles more representation in the NL lineup than any other team. The only other teams to have 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 launches homer, extending Dodgers’ lead over Blue Jays

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3. Bobby Witt Jr. Earns First All-Star Start

It’s pretty stunning that this is the first time in his five-year career Witt was voted in as an All-Star Game starter. Given his MVP-caliber performances since he jumped on the scene in 2022, you’d think Witt had accumulated a few of these already. 

Witt lost the starting shortstop job to Gunnar Henderson in 2024, and he was a reserve once again in 2025, narrowly missing out on the starting lineup to Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson last year. This year, Witt overwhelmingly held off the runner-up, Blue Jays shortstop Andrés Giménez. He’s just the third Royals shortstop to start the Midsummer Classic, joining Freddie Patek (1978) and Alcides Escobar (2015).

Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. hits inside-the-park homer vs. Tigers

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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 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-career ASG selection comes in the same year he suited up as the starting shortstop for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

4. Philly’s Only Starter: Brandon Marsh

Marsh is making his first career All-Star start, and he’ll do it in the best possible spot: right at home, in front of Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park. 

Marsh beat out teammates Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner as the only starter to represent the Phillies. Schwarber made the team, as did Harper, who was a “Legend” pick by commissioner Rob Manfred. 

Marsh led all NL outfielders in a crowded field through much of the fan voting process, ultimately knocking out other serious contenders at the position. Andy Pages and Juan Soto are the other starters in the outfield, while Pete Crow-Armstrong, James Wood, Corbin Carroll and Jordan Walker are the reserves.

Phillies’ Brandon Marsh ROBS Ronald Acuna Jr. of leadoff HR on first pitch of the game against Braves

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This is Marsh’s sixth MLB season, and the lefty-swinging outfielder is quietly riding a career year that’s 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.

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In 1776, the French played a pivotal role in helping the Americans gain independence. 

Now 250 years later, on the fourth of July and in the city of Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was signed, France used that as a motivator and, through hard work and perseverance, it came out victorious against a stubborn Paraguay with a hard-fought 1-0 win thanks to Kylian Mbappé’s penalty shot. 

This wasn’t a classic French win, but it was a gritty one, born out of necessity as opposed to style. There was some drama and an unnecessary scuffle, but the two-time champions came through. 

As a result, France is once again in the quarterfinal stage of the World Cup. It is its fourth straight appearance in the last eight. And now comes a tasty matchup against Morocco on Thursday in Boston.

For Paraguay, it leaves with its head high, with the remarkable win over Germany as a great gift to take back to Asunción. 

Here are my takeaways.

1. Great Teams Find A Way To Win

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I will get to Paraguay’s plan and how it made it difficult against France in a moment, but there’s no doubt that, despite the win, today was a wake-up call for France. It knows that it has to do more in order to persevere.

France won but struggled to find its identity. Think about this. Per FotMob, France attempted the most shots outside the box at the World Cup due to Paraguay’s low-block. France has to figure out how to break these teams faster than in this match. 

I think this win came as a result of Deschamps halftime talk, pushing his team to be more adventurous. That’s why Désiré Doué’s introduction in the 61st minute was key. The PSG star won the penalty with a wonderful, individual dribbling run inside the box and forced the foul inside the box. 

Sometimes, you have to let your players express themselves and be risky in attack. And that’s exactly what happened. 

2. Good On Mbappé For Staying Cool

The French superstar and captain scored the penalty that made it 1-0 and sealed the victory for his team. It was his 7th goal of the tournament, making him level with Lionel Messi but also, and amazingly, he is now one goal behind Messi’s all-time World Cup scoring record (20) with 19 goals. The fact that it’s Messi’s sixth World Cup and this is only Mbappé’s third is unbelievable. 

But was also impressive is Mbappé not falling into some of the gamesmanship of Paraguay’s defenders. He kept his composure at the end of some tough physical contact that was meant to fluster and throw off the star. He often did it with either a smile or a smirk, knowing that it was all part of the strategy to get under his skin.

3. Paraguay’s Defensive Strategy Was Right Call

Paraguay knows who it is and what it can and cannot do. And against France, clearly a stronger team with the ball, it decided to create a formidable wall, denying the two-time World Cup champion from making a shot on target until the 55th minute.

It packed the box with six to seven players and never allowed Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé to get into rhythm. It often broke passes and did a lot of off-the-ball work to keep the French at bay, relying fully on the counter.

The Guaraní ended up losing as, due to the heat and France’s inevitable talent, it was just too hard to continue with the same level of vigor and resilience. Regardless, even though it bows out of the competition, it can be very proud of what it achieved at this tournament. 

4. Do Les Bleus Need A Plan B As It Goes Further? 

Next for France is Morocco, a team that loves to play with the ball, so the Atlas Lions will be a better-suited matchup than Paraguay due to the opponent’s philosophies.

But after that, who knows? Deschamps knows that other teams might prove to be extremely stubborn in the final third and make it very difficult to get the ball moving. France is the kind of team that doesn’t need to adjust just because of its core of talent, especially the attacking line. 

However, if any other opponent takes on France and imitates Paraguay’s strategy, Les Bleus have to find a more direct approach in the future. It also has to protect the ball in a better way as the latter stages showed careless work in the midfield. I think Morocco – who lost to France in the 2022 semifiinals – will look at this and take multiple notes. 

Paraguay vs France Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 16

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 started on a high note Saturday, with the first pair of matches resulting in a rematch of one of the 2022 World Cup’s most memorable matches in the quarterfinals.

Here is everything you might have missed on Day 24 of the tournament:

BEST OF THE DAY

Moment Of The Day

Mbappé Reaches 19

Kylian Mbappé remains hot on Lionel Messi’s tail. Not only did the 27-year-old superstar score his seventh goal of the tournament, bringing him level with Lionel Messi in the World Cup Golden Boot race, but he is also now just one goal away from tying Messi’s record for the most goals ever at the FIFA World Cup.

The good news for Mbappé? All signs point to it being a matter of when, not if, he has the record all to himself.

Goal Of The Day

Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring for Morocco with a stunner from outside the box that Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was unable to get a hand on.

Assist Of The Day

Ounahi’s second goal was a product of Brahim Diaz’s brilliant holdup play in the box. Once Ounahi was in place, Diaz just dumped it off to the 26-year-old midfielder.

Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill can leave the World Cup with his head held high. He continued his strong tournament with a four-save outing against France, the best of which came with Mbappé charging toward goal with a full head of steam.

Canada vs. Morocco

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• Morocco advanced to the round of 16 with a decisive 3-0 win over 2026 World Cup co-hosts Canada at Houston Stadium. Morocco is the first African team to reach back-to-back quarterfinals at the World Cup. It will play France in the quarterfinals, a rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
• Morocco is the first African team to win two knockout stage matches outright— excluding penalty shootouts — at a single World Cup. Morocco now accounts for four of the eight African knockout stage victories in World Cup history; Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, and Senegal each have one.
• Morocco has not lost in their last 34 games with 25 wins and eight draws. Its last loss was in August 2025, a 1-0 result vs. Kenya.
• Azzedine Ounahi became the first Moroccan player to score twice in a World Cup match since Salaheddine Bassir in 1998 against Scotland. He also became just the third African player to score two goals in a knockout stage at the World Cup, after Roger Milla (1990) and Henri Camara (2002).
• Canada lost its first Round of 16 appearance ever at the World Cup. A CONCACAF team has not reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup since Costa Rica in 2014.

Canada vs Morocco Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 16

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Paraguay vs. Morocco

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• France moved on to the round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Paraguay at Philadelphia Stadium. France has won 18 of its last 21 knockout-phase matches at the World Cup.
• Kylian Mbappé scored today, extending his record for most World Cup knockout-stage goals with 11. He now has 19 World Cup goals, one behind Lionel Messi (20) for the most ever. He also joined Messi as the only player to score seven or more goals in back-to-back World Cups (2022 and 2026).
• Since the 2018 tournament, Mbappé has scored more goals in the knockout stages of the World Cup (11) than Brazil (10), England (10), Portugal (nine), and Spain (four).
• This was Mbappé’s 19th World Cup game, a France record for an outfield player; only goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (20) has played in more for France.
• Paraguay failed to record its first win ever in the World Cup knockout stage.

Paraguay vs France Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 16

Check out the full game highlights between Paraguay and France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Announced by John Strong and Stu Holden.

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Major League Baseball has unveiled the All-Star Game rosters, and you’re probably wondering how one (or more) of the best players from your favorite team didn’t make it. 

But don’t fret yet. 

Remember, this is just the initial list. There will be replacements and changes before the All-Star Game takes place July 14 (8 p.m. ET on FOX) in Philadelphia.

Fans voted for the starters, while pitchers and reserves were picked through a mix of player ballots and commissioner’s office selections. Every team needed to be represented by at least one player.

Each team typically has 20 position players and 12 pitchers on the roster (32 total), though an exception was made this year as Bryce Harper was named a “legend pick,” giving the National League a 33rd player. 

For now, here is every team’s biggest All-Star snub, ranked from 30 to 1. 

The One-And-Done Teams

The teams in this section only have one All-Star rep in the game. It’s difficult for the Mets, Rockies or Angels to have expected more, given the way they’ve played in the first half. The Padres, Cubs and Astros have three of the best All-Stars in the game in closer Mason Miller, outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, respectively, but there wasn’t a great argument for another player from their team. 

Two-And-Through

These are all teams with losing records who got two All-Star nominations. A third would seem excessive. Even coming up with another candidate for the Twins beyond OF Byron Buxton and SP Joe Ryan was difficult. Jeffers was at least on an All-Star pace before getting hurt and has started a rehab assignment. 

The Giants (2B Luis Arraez and SP Logan Webb were picked as All-Stars) and Royals (SS Bobby Witt Jr. and SP Michael Wacha) were lucky to get even two candidates in, given their disastrous seasons. 

First-Time Cases

Gavin Williams, who’s third in the AL in strikeouts, could have been considered the Guardians’ snub here, but Rocchio ranks third in fWAR among AL shortstops. 

The defending AL champion Blue Jays have four All-Stars despite having a losing record, so asking for a fifth would have been rich. Okamoto, however, is the reigning AL Rookie of the Month and ranks third among AL third basemen in home runs. 

Ginn ranks seventh among qualified AL pitchers with a 3.04 ERA, a particularly impressive feat for someone who plays his home games at Sutter Health Park. Griffin is also top 10 in ERA on the NL side after spending the last three years in Japan. 

Missing Innings

Every player in this section has a case as is, but it would be a lot stronger if they hadn’t missed time in the first half. Peña has the highest batting average among all AL shortstops with at least 200 plate appearances (closer Josh Hader is also making a case for himself in just a month of action). 

It might seem odd not seeing Tarik Skubal’s name here as the Tigers’ candidate, but Mize has the fourth-lowest ERA among AL pitchers who’ve thrown at least 60 innings. Lower the minimum to 50 innings, and Miller has the lowest ERA in the AL. 

De La Cruz was on an All-Star pace before suffering a hamstring injury, yet even after missing nearly a month, he is still tied for second in fWAR among NL shortstops. 

Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is one of the most exciting players in MLB. (Kylie Bridenhagen/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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Five-And-Dive

The Phillies, Dodgers and Braves will be well-represented in Philadelphia, with each team getting five players named to the NL All-Star team. But they could have had more. 

Wrobleski, who’s having a breakout year as the Dodgers’ sixth starter, is tied for the NL lead in wins and ranks eighth in ERA. Harris ranks fifth in batting average and eighth in OPS among qualified NL outfielders. Wheeler had a late start to the year but is 8-1 with a 2.36 ERA.  

Former All-Stars

There are at least seven National League second basemen who would have a strong case to start the game if they played in the American League, so Chisholm’s spot here is with his competition in mind. Despite having one of his worst offensive seasons, he still has 12 homers, 26 steals and ranks first in fWAR among all AL second basemen. 

Alonso is having a strong first season in Baltimore with 19 homers. He ranks in the top three in the AL in RBIs, but he plays a tough position to get in. DeGrom and his teammate Josh Jung, who has the highest batting average and most hits among qualified AL third basemen, both have an All-Star case. DeGrom ranks fifth in strikeouts and WHIP among AL starters. 

Overstuffed At Second

There were far too many worthy candidates among the NL second basemen for all of them to make it, especially after Ozzie Albies was named the starter. 

Arraez, who’s having one of the best all-around seasons of his career, was named the reserve at the position. That meant Wetherholt, who leads all NL second basemen in WAR, Marte, who has 17 home runs, and Edwards, who leads all NL second basemen in on-base percentage, all missed the cut. 

JJ Wetherholt has been a revelation for the Cardinals this season. (Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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As you’ll see later on this list, these weren’t the only surprising omissions at the position…  

The Deserving Veteran Arm

5.

Where would Tampa Bay be without its starting pitching? Both Martinez and Shane McClanahan have an argument about joining All-Star teammate Drew Rasmussen in Philadelphia, but Martinez’s season is especially noteworthy. He’ll be 36 next month, has never made the All-Star team and ranks third among qualified AL starters in ERA. He should be one of the first calls as an AL pitching replacement. 

The Tandem Snubs

All of these teams have multiple players who are probably wondering where their invite went. 

The White Sox turnaround is one of the biggest stories of the MLB season, so it’s surprising to see them have just one All-Star (Miguel Vargas). Davis Martin ranks in the top 10 among qualified starters in ERA, while Montgomery is first in home runs, RBIs and slugging among qualified AL shortstops. You could add first baseman Munetaka Murakami to the list of snubs here, too, though he hasn’t played in more than a month, and first base is a tough spot to get in. 

Just ask Contreras, who was the victim of voting. Guerrero getting in as a starter meant first basemen Ben Rice and Nick Kurtz were named All-Star reserves, leaving Contreras on the outside looking in despite him having the fifth-highest OPS in the American League. The Red Sox are bad, but their pitching is not. Among AL starters who’ve thrown at least 80 innings, Gray ranks fourth in ERA. 

Willson Contreras has been a bright spot for the Red Sox this season. (Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

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Based on first-half performances, you could argue that Lowe, Reynolds and Graham Ashcraft were the Pirates’ most deserving All-Stars. The fact that only Paul Skenes made it is rather baffling, especially considering Lowe leads all NL second basemen in home runs, RBIs and slugging percentage, while Reynolds ranks fourth among all qualified NL players in on-base percentage. 

Turang would have been my pick to start at second base in the NL among the throng of deserving candidates, and I’m stunned he’s not in at all. Harrison ranks second in strikeout rate among all NL starters who’ve thrown at least 70 innings, behind only his teammate Misiorowski. 

Most of the players from this final section should eventually find their way to Philadelphia.

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