As we approach the halfway mark of the 2026 MLB season, it's time to dive into the exciting world of All-MLB predictions. This year's edition promises to be particularly intriguing, given the mix of established stars and rising talents making their mark on the league. Personally, I think it's a testament to the ever-evolving nature of baseball and the incredible depth of talent across the league.
Catching the Eye: Dingler and Langeliers
Let's start behind the plate, where the catcher position has seen some remarkable performances. Dillon Dingler, the 2025 Gold Glove winner, is having a career year, with 16 home runs and an impressive 134 wRC+. What makes this particularly fascinating is Dingler's ability to combine power with elite defense, a rare skill set that has propelled him to the top of the catcher rankings.
On the other hand, Langeliers, our panel's first-teamer pick in May, has endured a slight cold streak. However, his strong .879 OPS and 18 home runs still make him a formidable force. It's a testament to the depth of talent at this position that even with a slight dip in form, Langeliers remains a standout.
Power Surge at First Base
Moving to first base, we see a position known for its power-hitting stars living up to its reputation. Rice and Kurtz, two young and blossoming superstars, are leading the charge. Rice, in particular, has been a revelation, with a wRC+ of 172 and an OPS of .998. His 19 home runs have been a key factor in the Yankees' performance, especially with Judge's absence.
Kurtz, meanwhile, has shaken off a slow start and is slugging over .800 in his last 16 games. His on-base percentage of .443 leads the Majors, a statistic that often goes unnoticed but is a key indicator of a player's value.
Turang and Wetherholt: The New Breed at Second Base
Second base sees the emergence of two exciting players: Turang and Wetherholt. Turang, with an .835 OPS and a career-high .794 last season, is quietly becoming one of the game's best. His Fielding Run Value of 4 is tied for sixth among second basemen, showcasing his all-around game.
Wetherholt, the breakout rookie, leads the position with 11 FRV and has been a key reason for the Cardinals' surprising Wild Card spot. His .751 OPS and 10 home runs are impressive for a rookie, and he's a player to watch for the future.
Third Base: Muncy and Caminero Shine
At third base, we have a battle of the heavy hitters. Muncy, a two-time All-Star, is having a career year with a 151 wRC+ and a hard-hit rate of 48.4%. His 16 home runs are a testament to his power, and he's a key reason for the Dodgers' potent lineup.
Caminero, on the other hand, is the Majors' fastest swinger and one of the most exciting young hitters. With an .864 OPS, he's right behind Muncy and is showing signs of becoming a superstar in the making.
Shortstop: Witt and Abrams Lead the Way
Shortstop sees another year of superstar performances, with Witt and Abrams leading the charge. Witt, with a 4.0 fWAR and a league-leading 16 Outs Above Average, is a defensive powerhouse. His bat has also started to come along, with a .284 average and an .807 OPS.
Abrams, with a 147 wRC+ and 53 RBIs, is providing the kind of production the Nationals hoped for when they acquired him. He's a key reason for the team's success and a player who is only going to get better.
Outfield: Carroll, Crow-Armstrong, and Wood Dominate
The outfield is a trio of elite performers. Carroll, the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year, is having the finest season of his career with an .907 OPS and an MLB-leading eight triples. His speed and elite defense make him a complete package.
Crow-Armstrong, after a slow start, has heated up, with a recent slash line of .453 and seven homers. He's an early NL MVP candidate and a player who can change games with his bat and glove.
Wood, meanwhile, has been an offensive force, with a .975 OPS and 20 homers. His expected slugging percentage and expected weighted on-base average are among the top 1% of qualified batters, showcasing his consistency and power.
Designated Hitters: Ohtani and Alvarez Battle it Out
The designated hitter position sees a battle between two of the game's biggest stars: Ohtani and Alvarez. Alvarez, with a 193 wRC+, is leading all hitters in several categories, including OPS, slugging, and homers. He's a key reason for the Astros' resilience.
Ohtani, despite his focus on pitching, is still carrying a .961 OPS. His four home runs in June are a reminder of his two-way superstar status. It's a testament to the depth of talent in the league that these two players are battling it out for the top spot.
Starting Pitchers: Misiorowski, Sánchez, and More
Starting pitchers see some incredible performances, with Misiorowski leading the way. His 0.17 ERA over the last eight starts and 15 strikeouts in his last shutout are mind-boggling. He's a phenom and a serious contender for the NL Cy Young Award.
Sánchez, with his MLB record of 50 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, and Ohtani, with a 1.06 ERA over 11 starts, are also first-team contenders. Skenes, despite some hiccups, has a strikeout rate of 30.4% and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.2, making him a formidable force.
In the AL, Schlittler leads the league with a 1.82 ERA and 89 innings pitched, making him a strong Cy Young contender.
Relief Pitchers: Duran, Miller, and the Bullpen Battle
The relief pitchers see some dominant performances, with Duran and Miller leading the way. Duran, with a 1.90 ERA and a 38.5% strikeout rate, is a force to be reckoned with. His blazing fastball and devastating splitter make him a nightmare for opposing batters.
Miller, a consistent performer, ranks in the 100th percentile in expected ERA, expected batting average against, and whiff rate. He's a closer who always delivers and a key reason for the Phillies' success.
Smith and Varland are also impressive, with Smith leading the Majors in saves and Varland showcasing a 0.96 ERA over 37 2/3 innings.
As we reflect on these predictions, it's clear that the 2026 MLB season is shaping up to be an incredible showcase of talent. From the catchers to the relief pitchers, each position has its own fascinating story and a mix of established stars and rising talents. It's a reminder of why baseball is such a beloved sport, with its rich history and ever-evolving narratives.
