96th MLB All-Star Game Rosters Announced

Roster Reveal Details

The 96th MLB All-Star Game will take place on July 14 at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park, kick‑off at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. Fan voting decided the starting line‑ups, while players, coaches and managers selected the pitching staffs and reserve players. The American League leads the all‑time series 48‑45‑2, but the National League has captured the last two Midsummer Classics, including the dramatic 2025 tilt that ended with a Home‑Run Derby‑style tiebreaker.

MLB made the final rosters public on Saturday, July 4, giving fans a complete picture of who will represent each league in the midsummer showcase. The announcements highlight both the stars who made the cut and several notable omissions that have sparked debate among fans and analysts.

American League Snubs Worth Watching

On the starting‑pitcher front, Sonny Gray of the Boston Red Sox is the most glaring omission. The veteran right‑hander posted a 10‑1 record, leads the AL in wins and winning percentage, and boasts a 2.61 ERA that ties for second in the league with fellow snub Nick Martinez of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Relief pitcher David Bednar, a New York Yankees reliever, also missed out. He enjoys a 13‑inning scoreless streak and holds a 3.00 ERA with 17 saves, though his save opportunities have been limited by the Yankees’ recent struggles.

Ryan Jeffers, the Minnesota Twins catcher, earned consideration despite the AL already having three catchers on the roster. Jeffers was hitting .349 with a .949 OPS and seven home runs before a May 18 injury put him on a rehab assignment.

Willson Contreras, Boston’s first‑base candidate, posted a .914 OPS and 19 home runs, out‑hitting regular starter Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who will sit out due to back issues. Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Yankees adds depth on the second‑base spot with 12 homers, 33 RBIs and 26 steals.

Kazuma Okamoto, the Toronto Blue Jays third‑base nominee, earned AL Rookie of the Month honors in June and is posting 19 home runs and 54 RBIs. Colson Montgomery, a Chicago White Sox shortstop, leads the league in homers for his position with 22, a .484 slugging mark and 51 RBIs.

Wilyer Abreu, Boston’s outfielder, was left off the roster despite a pair of Gold Gloves and a .250 average with 10 homers and 41 RBIs. Pete Alonso of the Baltimore Orioles rounds out the DH discussion, with 19 homers and 60 RBIs in a season where he’s primarily served as a DH in eight games.

National League Snubs Generating Buzz

Justin Wrobleski, the Los Angeles Dodgers starter, missed the NL roster despite a 10‑2 record and a 2.80 ERA. Relief pitcher Aaron Ashby of the Milwaukee Brewers stands out with an MLB‑leading 12 victories, making his omission harder to justify.

Miami’s Liam Hicks could have added value on the catcher position, posting a .288 average with 13 homers and 54 RBIs in a breakout sophomore season. St. Louis’ Alec Burleson shares the league RBI lead at 63, complementing his .279 average and 14 home runs.

Milwaukee’s Brice Turang is a strong candidate on second base, boasting a .824 OPS, 12 homers, 51 RBIs and 13 steals, yet the NL field remains crowded with proven performers. Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz, a two‑time All‑Star, missed part of the season with a hamstring injury but still recorded 13 homers, 41 RBIs and 13 steals.

Pittsburgh’s Nick Gonzales supplies steady play at third base with a .307 average and 40 RBIs while the Cardinals’ Ivan Herrera brings a .803 OPS, 10 homers and 58 RBIs at DH. Atlanta’s Michael Harris II, a former NL Rookie of the Year, is hitting .301 with 16 homers and 48 RBIs, highlighted by an .841 OPS.

Washington’s James Wood rounds out the NL reserve outfield, offering additional depth for a league that already fields multiple stars.

What the Omissions Mean for July 14

The list of notable snubs suggests the All‑Star Game could be more competitive than past editions, as several eligible players were overlooked. If the American League’s Sonny Gray and David Bednar are missing, the NL may have a pitching advantage, especially with Cristopher Sanchez slated as a starter for Philadelphia. Conversely, the NL’s absence of a top‑relief arms like Aaron Ashby could open doors for unexpected storylines.

Fan interest will likely hover around the performances of snubbed stars, with Gray and Jeffers possibly influencing how fans view the voting system. As the two leagues prepare for their showdown, the gaps left by these players could shift momentum and add intrigue to the mid‑season classic.

Overall, the roster announcements underscore the depth of talent across MLB and set the stage for a game that could be defined as much by who isn’t there as by who is.