3 Reds players who could be All-Star starters in 2026

The race is on for the starting spots in the 2021 All-Star Game slated to be played at Coors Field on July 13th. While Jesse Winker and Nick Castellanos are making a play to be in the starting lineup this year, what might things look like five years from now? Who are the three most likely Cincinnati Reds players to start in the 2026 All-Star Game?

The Reds have several talented, young players, either in the major leagues or on the cusp of breaking through. But who among them has the talent to be considered, not just an All-Star, but have enough cache to be voted into the starting lineup by the fans?

MLB.com’s Will Leitch gave it the old college try, submitting his projected starting lineup for the 2026 All-Star Game. However, he completely omitted any potential starters that may be on the Cincinnati Reds roster. That’s a mistake. The Reds have plenty of talented players and prospects who could find their way into the starting lineup. Let’s look at the three most likely.

1. Tyler Stephenson, Reds catcher

Out of all the players currently on the Cincinnati Reds roster, I feel the most confident putting Tyler Stephenson in the conversation to start the 2026 All-Star Game. The right-handed hitting backstop is currently learning the trade from fellow catcher Tucker Barnhart.

Stephenson already has the offensive game to compete at the highest level. If the 24-year-old can gain a measure of success on the defensive side of the ball as well, Tyler Stephenson has the potential to be one of the best catchers in all of baseball.

It’s not often that you come across a catcher with Stephenson’s offensive prowess. I’m not kidding when I suggest that Stephenson could have the same offensive impact as players like Yasmani Grandal and Salvador Perez.

Stephenson has already shown his power, as evidenced by his .416 slugging percentage. However, the 6-foot-4 Stephenson has also learned how to take a pitch. He has a .373 on-base percentage and 12.4% walk-rate.

Stephenson will turn 25 this season, meaning that he’d be 30-years old in 2026. Cincinnati will still maintain team control over Stephenson at that time, and I feel confident that the Georgia native will be the Reds star player five years from now.