Five Potential First-Time MLB All-Stars in 2026

Shea Langeliers (C, Oakland Athletics)

Shea Langeliers has long flashed power, but in 2025, he put everything together in a way that elevated him into one of the most dangerous catchers in the league. Working closely with the A’s hitting staff, Langeliers improved his plate discipline and began driving mistakes with authority, resulting in a career-best power surge. Few catchers combine his bat speed, raw power, and ability to control the running game, and even fewer do it while catching a young, developing staff. His defensive leadership gives him added value, but it’s the leap forward with the bat — something that separates All-Star catchers from regular starters — that positions him for a potential first selection. If he repeats or builds upon his 2025 power numbers, he could be a near-lock in 2026.

Brandon Nimmo (OF, Texas Rangers)

Brandon Nimmo’s move to the new-look Texas Rangers gives him a fresh opportunity to take his game to another level — and potentially earn his first All-Star nod. Long regarded as one of baseball’s most underrated on-base machines, Nimmo brings a disciplined approach that anchors the top of any lineup. But Texas believes he can be even more dynamic: driving the ball with more authority, leveraging Globe Life Field’s favorable gaps, and taking on a leadership role in an offense built around balance and versatility.

Nimmo’s combination of plate discipline, sneaky power, and improved defensive instincts in the corner outfield makes him a stabilizing presence for a team looking to retool on the fly. With more lineup protection, an organizational push for aggression on the bases, and a ballpark that rewards line-drive hitters, Nimmo could produce his most complete season yet. If he stays healthy and sets the tone atop the Rangers’ lineup, 2026 could finally be the year he transitions from under-appreciated to undeniable — and earns that long-awaited All-Star selection.

Gavin Williams (RHP, Cleveland Guardians)

Gavin Williams has the arsenal and presence of a future top-of-the-rotation arm, and 2026 could be the season he fully breaks into stardom. After showing flashes of dominance in prior seasons, injuries slowed his momentum — but when healthy, Williams boasts a high-90s fastball, a wipeout slider, and a hammer curve that misses bats with ease. His strikeout ability already ranks near the top of young AL starters, and the Guardians have a strong track record of elevating pitchers once they stay on the mound consistently. What Williams needs most is a full, uninterrupted season — if he gets it, the numbers (elite K-rate, low ERA, ace-level confidence) could put him squarely in the All-Star conversation by June. With Cleveland’s team defense and pitching development structure behind him, Williams is one of the most realistic first-time All-Stars among rising AL arms.

Roldy Brito (2B/OF, Colorado Rockies)

A long shot, but you never know. Roldy Brito represents the classic potential surprise All-Star — a young player with exciting tools, elite athleticism, and an opportunity to shine on a team hungry for impactful talent. A contact-oriented hitter with sneaky power, Brito excels at putting the ball in play and pressuring defenses with his speed. His defensive versatility allows him to contribute at multiple positions, a valuable trait for a Rockies club looking to infuse energy and upside into its everyday lineup. If Brito receives consistent playing time and adapts quickly to major league pitching, Coors Field’s hitting environment could accelerate his rise. With daily at-bats, his combination of contact, emerging power, and speed could lead to a breakout season statistically — the type that often pushes a young player into unexpected All-Star territory.

The Last Word

Taken together, these five players highlight the wide range of talent ready to break through in 2026. Turang’s all-around growth, Langeliers’ power surge, Nimmo’s fresh start in Texas, Williams’ frontline potential, and Brito’s athletic upside each offer a different path to a first All-Star appearance. Some are refining their skills, others are finally healthy, and a few are stepping into bigger roles with new opportunities. If their 2025 trends carry over, all five could find themselves firmly in the conversation by midseason. As always, the next wave of first-time All-Stars will come from players just like these — those who turned flashes of promise into consistent production and forced the baseball world to take notice.