The Cincinnati Reds will be represented at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia by two of their youngest and most promising stars.
The July 4 unveiling of the rosters for the National League and American League teams for the July 14 Midsummer Classic included Reds fire-balling starting pitcher Chase Burns and rookie Sal Stewart.
Burns, 23, has been a big-leaguer for about 13 months and in 2026 so far amassed a 10-1 record, a 2.40 ERA, and a 1.08 WHIP.
At the start of play July 4, Burns was one of five pitchers in MLB with double-digit wins, his ERA was No. 5 in the NL (sixth overall in baseball) and his WHIP was tied for No. 14 in baseball alongside multiple star pitchers including the Atlanta Braves’ Chris Sale.
“A lot of hard work’s been put in this offseason,” Burns said. “I’m just excited and blessed for the opportunity.”
Burns’ inclusion as an All-Star marks the third consecutive season in which a Reds starter was named to the Midsummer Classic. Andrew Abbott (2025) and Hunter Greene (2024) earned the honor prior to Burns.
Prior to that, reliever Alexis Diaz was a 2023 Reds representative in the All-Star Game, and former Reds starter Luis Castillo was a representative in 2022.
The 2026 season represents the third year in a row Cincinnati sent multiple players to the Midsummer Classic, with shortstop Elly De La Cruz joining Abbott and Greene at the event in 2025 and 2024.
For the 22-year-old Stewart, the All-Star Game nod burnishes his candidacy for NL Rookie of the Year after he was already named NL Player of the Week in the week of the season and NL Rookie of the Month for April.
Stewart is leading all NL rookies in homers (17), walks (43), stolen bases (tied for first with 11). He leads rookies across both leagues in RBI’s (60) and has a top-20 OPS (.804).
Beyond the current rookie class, Stewart’s 60 RBIs are tied for seventh-most across MLB. His 17 homers are tied for 17th-most in baseball.
“I don’t even know. I was just stunned, you know?” Stewart said. “I still can’t even tell you words right now. I’m just so grateful, man. I’m so blessed. This is a dream come true for me. When I started the season, obviously everyone wants to be an all-star but I’m young. I’m just trying to play to the best of my ability but then being able to be here now, this is incredible.”
While Stewart demonstrated power as a key tool in his arsenal, and hit one of his most impressive homers of the season in Philadelphia against the Phillies in May, he confirmed July 4 he hadn’t been asked to participate in the July 13 Home Run Derby.
The Reds’ organizational presence at All-Star weekend in Philadelphia is in much clearer view now.
It had previously been revealed that catcher Alfredo Duno, one of the Reds’ top-rated prospects, would participate in the July 12 Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park. The game is scheduled for a noon first pitch, and will air live on NBC and Peacock.
Burns and Stewart will be present for festivities the following day, which has the annual Home Run Derby as the main event (8 p.m.). For the first time ever, the Derby will be broadcast on Netflix.
The July 14 All-Star Game is schedule for an 8 p.m. first pitch with coverage on FOX starting at 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Pair of youngsters to represent Reds at 2026 MLB All-Star Game
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