As we approach the halfway mark of the 2026 MLB season, it's time to delve into the exciting world of All-MLB predictions. This year's edition promises to be particularly intriguing, given the mix of established stars and breakout performances. Personally, I think it's a testament to the depth and talent within the league that even with some notable injuries, we still have an incredibly competitive field.
Catching the Eye: Dingler and Langeliers
The catcher position has seen some rapid ascents, with Dillon Dingler and Shea Langeliers leading the way. Dingler, fresh off his 2025 Gold Glove, is swinging for the fences with 16 home runs already this season. But it's not just about power; his elite defense and impressive wRC+ of 134 have him in the conversation with the best.
Langeliers, meanwhile, has had a rip-roaring start to 2026, building on his strong second half last year. Despite a recent cold streak, his .879 OPS and 18 home runs keep him in the top tier.
Power Surge at First Base
First base has always been a power position, and this year is no exception. Enter Jake Rice and Kurt Kurtz, two young superstars who are living up to their billing. Rice, in particular, has been a revelation, leading the league in wRC+ and OPS while crushing 19 homers. Kurtz, despite a slow start, has found his groove, slugging over .800 in his last 16 games and leading the Majors with a .443 on-base percentage.
The Middle Infield: Turang and Wetherholt
In the middle infield, we find a mix of experience and youth. Jonathan Turang, the driving force behind the Brewers' success, has quietly become one of the game's best players. His .835 OPS and strong defensive metrics make him a complete package.
Wetherholt, a breakout rookie, has been a key reason for the Cardinals' surprising season. With a .751 OPS and 10 home runs, he's already making a name for himself.
Third Base: Muncy and Caminero
At third base, we have a battle of the sluggers. Max Muncy, a two-time All-Star, is still finding new heights at 35, with a career-best 151 wRC+ and a hard-hit rate of 48.4%. He's joined by Caminero, the fastest swinger in the Majors, who's putting up impressive numbers with an .864 OPS.
Shortstop: Witt and Abrams
Shortstop is a position of superstars, and this year is no different. Bobby Witt Jr., leading the league in fWAR, continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers. His 16 Outs Above Average and .807 OPS are just a part of his impressive stat line.
Elian Abrams, on the other hand, is providing the Nationals with the star power they envisioned when they acquired him. His 147 wRC+ and 53 RBIs lead all shortstops, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Outfield: Carroll, Crow-Armstrong, and Wood
The outfield is a trio of speed, power, and defense. Kyle Carroll, the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year, is having a career year with an MLB-leading eight triples and an elite defensive reputation.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, after a slow start, has heated up, showcasing the form that made him an early NL MVP candidate last year. And then there's Wood, who's been an offensive force, ranking among the top 1% of qualified batters in multiple categories.
Designated Hitters: Ohtani and Alvarez
The designated hitter spot is a battle of two-way superstars. Shohei Ohtani, despite a focus on pitching this year, is still carrying a .961 OPS. But he's being challenged by Yordan Alvarez, who leads all hitters in wRC+ and multiple other offensive categories.
Starting Pitchers: Misiorowski, Sánchez, and More
On the mound, we have a mix of young phenoms and established stars. Jacob Misiorowski, at just 24, is making a serious bid for the NL Cy Young with an absurd 0.17 ERA over his last eight starts.
Cristopher Sánchez set an MLB record for left-handers with 50 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, while Ohtani has been phenomenal with a 1.06 ERA over 11 starts.
In the AL, Schlittler leads the league in ERA and innings pitched, setting the pace for the Cy Young race.
Relief Pitchers: Duran, Miller, and the Rest
In the bullpen, we have a battle of the closers. Duran, with his dominant fastball and splitter, has been a force for the Phillies. But he's up against the formidable Miller, who continues to dominate with his 101.3 mph fastball and zero barrel rate.
Smith and Varland are also impressing, with their strong ERAs and save totals.
As we look ahead to the second half of the season, these predictions will undoubtedly shift and change. But for now, these players are the ones to watch, as they battle it out for a spot on the All-MLB teams.
