4 Reds players who could emerge as first-time All-Stars in 2026

Last year, Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Andrew Abbott was selected to the All-Star Game for the first time. Abbott's first-half stats were incredible. Through 16 games, the left-hander was 8-1 with a 2.07 ERA and 83 strikeouts over 91 innings pitched. He finished the year with a 10-7 record, 2.87 ERA and 149 punch outs.

Reds fans are expecting Abbott to build off his success from last season and make a repeat trip to the Midsummer Classic in July. Obviously shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who's been to the All-Star Game twice, will be in position to make it three years in row, but are there any first-timers on the Reds roster heading into the 2026 season?

It's tough to get an invite to the All-Star Game, but there's a lot of talented players on this year's Reds team. Which four players could put together the type of season that would get them recognized at this year's All-Star festivities in Philadelphia?

4 Reds players who could be first-time All-Stars in 2026

Nick Lodolo, Reds starting pitcher

Since his rookie year, Reds starter Nick Lodolo has been on All-Star watch. He started 19 games in 2022 and posted a 3.66 ERA with 131 strikeouts in just over 100 innings pitched. But injuries derailed his progress the following two seasons, and the lefty was only able to muster a combined 5.11 ERA while logging just 28 starts in less than 150 innings of work.

Last season, however, Lodolo was finally able to stay off the IL (for the most part) and looked like the emerging star he was back during his rookie campaign. If Lodolo has truly put his injury-riddled past in the rearview mirror, there's no reason he can't become an All-Star in 2026.

Emilio Pagán, Reds relief pitcher

One can make the argument that Emilio Pagán should've gone to the Midsummer Classic last season. After Alexis Diaz missed Opening Day and then floundered upon his return, Reds manager Terry Francona turned to Pagán as the team's closer. Through the first-half of the season, the right-hander recorded 20 saves with a sub-3.00 ERA in 40 appearances out fo the Reds' bullpen.

Pagán was re-signed to a team-friendly deal over the offseason and will look to reprise his role as the Reds closer in 2026. If he's able to duplicate his performance from last season, the veteran could make his first All-Star appearance at the age of 35.

Matt McLain, Reds infielder

Much like Lodolo, Matt McLain was hyped as a potential All-Star after his rookie campaign only to see a shoulder injury completely rob him of his sophomore season. Last year, Reds fans watched McLain limp through the season to the tune of a .220/.300/.343 slash line, and many fans wanted to see him benched or sent back to the minor leagues.

But McLain is now two full years removed from shoulder surgery, and the hope among the Cincinnati faithful is that he can return to the level of play he displayed back in 2023 when he hit .290/.357/.507 with 16 home runs, 50 RBI, and 14 stolen bases in just 89 games. The Reds attempted to sign McLain to a contract extension last spring, so they obviously believe he has All-Star caliber talent.

Sal Stewart, Reds infielder

While Sal Stewart may not yet know where he'll line up defensively on Opening Day, it's a good bet that the Reds' top prospect will be in the lineup somewhere. Stewart had a cup of coffee in the big leagues last season, and showed the promise that has so many Reds fans excited about his future.

After getting a taste of the big leagues in 2025, Stewart has worked tirelessly during the offseason to get himself into better shape and has reportedly lost 25 pounds. If he's able to replicate the same type of power he displayed in the minor leagues last season (.913 OPS with 20 home runs) the Reds could send a rookie to the All-Star Game for the first time since 1999 (Scott Williamson).