MLB announces 2026 All-Star rosters with Harper added as commissioner’s pick
Commissioner Rob Manfred selected Bryce Harper as a “Legend Pick” for the National League roster, joining 25 other players for the All-Star Game in Philadelphia on July 14.
Philadelphia – Commissioner Rob Manfred named Bryce Harper a “Legend Pick” for the National League roster of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, scheduled for July 14 at Citizens Bank Park. Harper, who is batting .274 with 20 home runs and 57 RBIs, had not been selected through the regular voting process.
Harper joins four Phillies teammates—designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, outfielder Brandon Marsh, closer Jhoan Duran and pitcher Cristopher Sanchez—on the National League squad. Sanchez is expected to start for the league, while Shohei Ohtani will appear as a designated hitter.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will field five All-Stars, including four starters for the first time since 1980. First baseman Freddie Freeman, third baseman Max Muncy, center fielder Andy Pages and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani earned fan votes, and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also selected.
In the American League, the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays each have four representatives. Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won fan balloting despite a down season and announced he will sit out the game to recover from a lower-back issue. > “It’s very difficult for me, but I really have to take care of myself and I’ve got to put my team first for the second half,” he told reporters.
The Boston Red Sox saw no selections, prompting comments from Brewers catcher William Contreras, who said his brother, Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras, was overlooked despite strong statistics.
Twenty-six players were chosen by the league—six from each league by the commissioner and the remaining spots filled through fan and player voting. The roster includes 26 first-time All-Stars, among them four rookies: Kevin McGonigle (Detroit), Travis Bazzana and Parker Messick (Cleveland) and Sal Stewart (Cincinnati). McGonigle, 21, expressed excitement about potentially playing in his hometown.
Injuries will affect several selections: three-time MVP Aaron Judge will miss the game with a broken rib, and outfielder Mike Trout remains on the injured list but is expected to be cleared before the event.
The All-Star Game will feature a mix of veterans and newcomers, with the National League and American League each fielding six commissioner-selected players and the remainder determined by fan and player votes.