Brice Turang’s All-Star Snub and Late-Season Swing Revival

Statistics That Fuel Turang’s All-Star Case

Milwaukee’s second baseman posted a .269 batting average, a .829 OPS and a 3.2 Wins Above Replacement, placing him tied for 12th among all position players in the league. He tops National League second basemen in runs and weighted runs created plus, sits second at his position in OPS and third in defensive runs saved. Those numbers earned him a spot among the 20 MLB players valued at 3.0+ WAR, yet he is one of only two such players missing from the All‑Star roster. Both omissions are National League second basemen, joining St. Louis rookie JJ Wetherholt.

The Voting Controversy and Competing Second Basemen

Fan voting highlighted a paradox: Luis Arraez of San Francisco finished first in the player vote despite posting a higher WAR than Turang, while Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies secured the starting spot even though he trailed Turang in most statistical categories. Players like Brandon Lowe of Pittsburgh and Ketel Marte of Arizona also outranked Turang in the metrics that matter most to voters. Christian Yelich joked that All‑Star selection often feels like a popularity contest, a sentiment echoed by other teammates who noted how the process can diverge from pure performance.

Turang acknowledged the disappointment without bitterness. He said he could not control the outcome and preferred to focus on his play, noting that many deserving players are left off each year. The Brewers manager, Pat Murphy, praised Turang’s recent bat, observing that his swing has returned to a smooth, rhythmic swing that drives balls to left field.

Mechanics Work: Turang’s Swing Comeback

After a June slump that saw his OPS dip more than 80 points over a 15‑game stretch, Turang began experimenting with his stance. He tried elevating his hands, moving the bat vertical, and even copied Ryan Braun’s grip at one point. All of these adjustments were aimed at finding the right feel before the pitch, a process he described as both conscious and subconscious. He believes timing and being on‑time are more critical than any isolated tweak.

The changes paid off quickly. On July 5 he notched his seventh hit in 12 at‑bats against Arizona, and over his last eight games he is 14 for 37 (.378) with one home run and four doubles. His clutch two‑out single to left in the 11th inning on July 3 showcased a simple leg kick and hard follow‑through, a sign his swing is back in sync. The image from that day’s pre‑game shoot captures Turang with teammates and manager Pat Murphy, a visual reminder of his renewed focus.

Implications for 2026 and Beyond

Even though Turang did not make the initial All‑Star rosters, his resurgence suggests he remains a legitimate candidate for a replacement should a roster spot open up. A strong second half could force voters and managers to reconsider a player who already boasts elite defensive metrics and a rising offensive line. For the Brewers and fans, Turang’s swing revival adds a new storyline heading into the stretch run, reinforcing the idea that a player’s All‑Star fate can shift as quickly as a batted ball to the outfield.

Looking ahead, Turang’s experience underscores the unpredictable nature of All‑Star voting, especially in a position as crowded as second base. As the season progresses, his continued production will keep him in the conversation, offering a cautionary tale for both fans and analysts about the balance between statistics and popularity in Major League Baseball’s biggest showcase.