All-Star Game Focuses on Rising Talent Over Established Yankees
This year’s All-Star Game will highlight some emerging stars instead of the usual roster of prominent Yankees players.
MLB revealed on Saturday that, while big names like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Paul Goldschmidt are part of the Yankees, the team will instead feature Cam Schlitzer, Ben Rice, and Cody Bellinger at Citizens Bank Park on July 14.
Judge was also selected but won’t participate due to an injury.
Schlitzer and Rice, both rising stars from the Boston area, have been recognized but are also contenders for the Cy Young and MVP awards, respectively. It’s their first time in the Midsummer Classic.
“It’s special,” Schlitzer remarked after the Yankees’ recent 11-4 defeat to the Twins. “I’m from Massachusetts, so it’s really nice to share this moment with him. Rice has had an incredible season, and he totally deserves this.”
Schlitzer could potentially start in the AL, boasting the best ERA in the league (2.08), second-most strikeouts (123 in 104 innings), and an impressive WHIP (0.96).
The seventh-round draft choice from Northeastern University has improved his throwing speed, consistently challenging major league batters.
Coach Schlitzer mentioned he would be ready to pitch at the All-Star Game “if everything aligns,” but noted, “The team always comes first.” The Yankees plan to manage Schlitzer’s innings carefully as he’s set to play through October.
“We’ll see,” said manager Aaron Boone.
Rice, also hailing from the Boston area (Cohasset and Dartmouth), had faced setbacks in his college career due to COVID-19. However, he has made a significant climb in the Yankees’ organization.
After a decent but unremarkable first full season in 2025, he broke out as one of the league’s top hitters this year (.926 OPS, 24 home runs) and has become an ideal batting partner for Judge when healthy.
“I don’t go into the season specifically aiming for the All-Star team,” Rice noted. “I just focus on doing my best every day and hope the results will come, and maybe I’ll get my chance.” He was chosen by the commissioner’s office.
This will mark Bellinger’s third All-Star Game, his first since 2019.
The 30-year-old has reinvented his career after being released from the Dodgers and changing teams from the Cubs, and he’s on track for an All-Star selection in his second season with the Yankees, which also happens to be his first year of a five-year deal.
Bellinger’s last All-Star nod came in 2023 when he clinched the NL MVP with the Dodgers.
“I feel good,” Bellinger shared, acknowledging he may not be the 40-home run hitter he once was, yet he’s contributing effectively in various aspects of the game. “It’s been some time. I’m excited to experience this with my family.”
For the Yankees, who have won eight of their last nine games, this announcement serves as a moment to celebrate what has been a commendable season.
“We’re in the thick of the season and facing challenges in the summer,” Boone reflected. “It’s important to recognize the achievements of those selected and appreciate the significance of the event.”
