The 2026 MLB All-Star ballot voting has been a fascinating spectacle, with fans and experts alike weighing in on the game's brightest stars. While the top contenders are well-deserved, I believe there are some players who are being overlooked, players who deserve a bit more love. Here are 10 All-Star candidates who are flying under the radar, and why they should be in the spotlight.
Dillon Dingler, Catcher, Detroit Tigers
Dingler has always been a defensive powerhouse, and his bat has come around this season. With a .358/.390/.774 slash line through June, he's launched five homers and is already on pace for a career-high 16 homers. According to FanGraphs WAR, Dingler is a Top 10 player in the sport so far this season, and his defensive prowess makes him an invaluable asset to the Tigers. While the team has been a disappointment, Dingler has been a bright spot, and his All-Star nod would be well-deserved.
Nick Kurtz, First Baseman, Oakland Athletics
Kurtz was the unanimous choice for AL Rookie of the Year last season, and he's become the face of the Athletics' fun and irresistible team. While his teammate Shea Langeliers is leading the way among catchers, Kurtz is stuck at fourth among first basemen. With a 48-game on-base streak and a 1.243 June OPS, Kurtz is having a great year and deserves to make the All-Star team. His FanGraphs WAR has him above Ben Rice and eighth in the Majors, making him a strong contender.
Yandy Díaz, Third Baseman, Tampa Bay Rays
Díaz has been the avatar of the Rays for more than half a decade, a player who consistently finds ways to beat you. While Junior Caminero is currently the leader at third base, Díaz has been having one of the best seasons of his illustrious career. He's fourth in hits and about to pass Ben Zobrist for third, and he has only made the All-Star Game once. This might be the most fun Rays team he has been a part of, and his All-Star nod would be a fitting recognition of his contributions.
Michael Montgomery, Outfielder, Chicago White Sox
Montgomery has been having a great year, particularly on defense. He's among the top 30 players in fWAR and is hitting for just as much power as he did in 2025. With a chance at 40 homers, Montgomery has outplayed almost all his contemporaries and is a key player for the White Sox, who are battling for first place in the AL Central. His All-Star nod would be a well-deserved recognition of his contributions.
Tom Goodman, Catcher, Colorado Rockies
Goodman has been the best player on the Rockies for two straight seasons, and he's leading all NL catchers in homers and OPS. With 31 homers last season and well on his way to 40 this year, Goodman is a power-hitting catcher who deserves more love. While the catcher position is looking stronger than it has in years past, Goodman's performance makes him a strong contender for an All-Star nod.
Hunter Turang, Second Baseman, Milwaukee Brewers
Turang has the best case for starting among position players, and his ranking third in voting seems criminally low. He leads second basemen in OPS and is having the best season of his career. With MVP votes in 2025, Turang is a player who continues to hide in plain sight, and his All-Star nod would be a fitting recognition of his contributions.
Xander Lopez, Outfielder, Miami Marlins
Lopez has emerged as a fantastic and magnetic player, playing with verve and flamboyance. He hits for a high average, steals bases, and pulls off cool slides. While the NL outfield is crowded, Lopez's athleticism and highlight-reel moments make him a strong contender for an All-Star nod. His All-Star nod would be a fitting recognition of his contributions.
Michael Carroll, Outfielder, San Diego Padres
Carroll has finished in the top six of NL MVP Award voting twice and made two All-Star Games. While he's currently ranked seventh in the voting, his athleticism and highlight-reel moments make him a strong contender for an All-Star nod. His All-Star nod would be a fitting recognition of his contributions.
Juan Soto, Outfielder, Washington Nationals
Soto is, well, Juan Soto. While he's currently ranked ninth in the voting, his athleticism and highlight-reel moments make him a strong contender for an All-Star nod. His All-Star nod would be a fitting recognition of his contributions.
Matt Wood, Outfielder, Arizona Diamondbacks
Wood's athleticism seems to make the highlight reels every night, and his OPS is among the best among outfielders. While he's currently ranked eighth in the voting, his performance makes him a strong contender for an All-Star nod. His All-Star nod would be a fitting recognition of his contributions.
In my opinion, these 10 players deserve more love in the polls. While the top contenders are well-deserved, these players have been flying under the radar, and their All-Star nods would be a fitting recognition of their contributions to the game. Fans can vote daily during Phase 1 of the balloting, which runs until noon ET on June 25. The top two players at each position (and top six outfielders) per league will advance to the finals to contend for a starting spot. Phase 2 voting for the finalists is June 29-July 2, and full All-Star rosters will be revealed on July 4.
