The Athletics are sending their two most productive offensive players to Philadelphia for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game later this month.
First baseman Nick Kurtz and catcher Shea Langeliers each earned their first career All-Star Game appearance on Saturday.
Langeliers will start at catcher for the American League, beating out Detroit Tigers backstop Dillon Dingler, while Kurtz was selected as a reserve. However, because Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — who was voted as the AL starter at first base — won’t participate in the game, Kurtz will start as well in his place.
With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. not participating in this year’s All-Star Game, Nick Kurtz becomes the AL’s starting first baseman as the highest-ranked player on the Player Ballot.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) July 5, 2026
Kurtz is following up his breakout Rookie of the Year campaign with another impressive season. In 87 games, he has 20 homers and an MLB-leading 66 RBI entering the final week before the Midsummer Classic.
The second-year MLB star earned AL Player of the Month honors in May after a torrid stretch that saw him hit five homers and lead baseball with 26 RBI. He also was tied for first with a 1.025 OPS, and his 21 runs scored and 34 hits both were tied for second in the majors in May.
Kurtz also tied Mark McGwire’s franchise record with a 48-game on-base streak earlier this season.
Langeliers, on the other hand, leads all American League catchers with 20 homers, while driving in 44 runs. He left Friday’s game against the Miami Marlins with a left thumb contusion, but it appears the star backstop avoided any serious injury and hopefully will be fine to play in Philadelphia.
This is the second consecutive season the Athletics have had two All-Stars after sending shortstop Jacob Wilson and outfielder Brent Rooker last year.
First pitch of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT at Citizens Bank Park.