The Athletics are sending their two most productive offensive players to Philadelphia for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game later this month.<\/p>\n
First baseman Nick Kurtz<\/a> and catcher Shea Langeliers<\/a> each earned their first career All-Star Game appearance on Saturday.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. not participating in this year\u2019s All-Star Game, Nick Kurtz becomes the AL\u2019s starting first baseman as the highest-ranked player on the Player Ballot.<\/p>\n \u2014 Mart\u00edn Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) July 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The second-year MLB star earned AL Player of the Month<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n