Even though it feels like Opening Day was just yesterday, it’s that time of the big league season once again where the best players of each league assemble to take on in the Midsummer Classic.

With fan voting for the All-Star Game starting last week, there are three members of the Cleveland Guardians who have a good chance at making the American League roster once voting is finalized, and the Commissioner’s office makes its selection for the pitching staff.

Cade Smith has been one of baseball’s best relievers since he made his debut in 2022, yet somehow, he hasn’t been named an All-Star in his career. The 2026 season could finally be when that changes for the Guardians closer.

Cade currently owns a 2.83 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP, while logging a whiff-rate of 36.2 percent (98th percentile), 37.4 strikeout rate (99th percentile), and a walk-rate of 4.3 percent (98th percentile).

The biggest number that could help get Smith earn a spot on the All-Star roster is his 21 saves, which currently lead all of MLB. If this pace continues, there’s no reason the saves leader shouldn’t be headed to Philadelphia for the Midsummer Classic. 

Jose Ramirez may not have an All-Star resume right now, but by the time voting is finalized, there’s a good chance he could have himself right in the conversation to be playing at the hot corner for the American League this July.

Right now, Ramirez’s 121 wRC+ is fourth-best among AL third basemen, as TBR’s Junior Caminero leads the way with a 147 wRC+. That said, Ramirez has really turned a corner after a slower start for his standards. J-Ram owns a 1.169 OPS over the last seven games, and is giving the Guardians every indication it’s sustainable. 

Another stat that separates Ramirez from his third base counterparts is that he is currently tied with Bobby Witt Jr. at 23 for the most stolen bases in the American League. 

Ramirez has work to do to prove he belongs in the All-Star game in 2026, but as his stats continue to trend up, so do his chances. 

Travis Bazzana has only been in the big leagues for just over a month, but the impact he’s left on the Guardians and his stats compared to the rest of the AL second baseman might just warrant a trip to Philly for the All-Star Game.

Right now, Bazzana owns a .279/.361/.457 slash line. His .818 OPS is second among AL second basemen, only trailing TOR’s Ernie Clement, who has a .840 OPS.

In terms of skill, the former Cleveland infielder has Bazzana slightly beat in offensive numbers and elite defensive skills. 

However, it’s also important to remember that the position player starters are selected via voting, and Bazzana will have a whole continent in Australia backing him, which should make the voting interesting. 

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