The Cleveland Guardians announced on Saturday that three of their players will be going to the All-Star Game. After all, the AL Central leaders had to be represented in the Midsummer Classic.
Rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana, left-handed starter Parker Messick, and closer Cade Smith will all be going to Philadelphia to play the game at Citizens Bank Park.
The team dedicated an X post to each one of their All-Stars.
From first overall pick to rookie to All-Star. ⭐️
Congratulations to 2B Travis Bazzana on being named an All-Star!#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/lEXkuKKGEN
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 4, 2026
Bazzana, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, showed this year that he was ready for the majors with another spectacular showing in the minors, this time in Triple-A. He was called up in late April and is already among the best second basemen in the league.
He is slashing, before Saturday’s game, a solid .255/.347/.420 with seven home runs and 12 stolen bases. His 117 wRC+ is proof that he belongs, and even though his defense is a work in progress, he has potential at the keystone.
Messick entered Saturday’s start against the Chicago White Sox with a 2.85 ERA in 101 innings. He is, quite likely, the most improved Guardian of the 2026 campaign, going from rotation hopeful to staff ace in a matter of months.
He’s dazzled all season long. ✨
Congratulations to SP Parker Messick on being named an All-Star!#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/OQ4NAbj7T5
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 4, 2026
A velocity increase has been behind his surprising success, allowing his secondary pitches to play up. Messick has been one of the best starters in the American League, and leaving him behind would have been unfair.
The Guardians’ bullpen will also be represented in Philadelphia. Smith, the league leader in saves, is going to the Midsummer Classic for the first time in his career.
Smith had a brilliant 2.97 ERA in 39.1 innings through Friday. His 2.04 FIP, or Fielding Independent Pitching, is perhaps even more impressive.
MLB’s saves leader had to get in. 🔒
Congratulations to RP Cade Smith on being named an All-Star!#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/Qm2EiYwazd
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 4, 2026
The right-hander has 26 saves already, a career-high. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to top 40 on the year.
All three All-Stars will be going to the game for the first time in their respective careers. Additionally, all three were chosen by their peers, not by fan voting.
In 10 days, on July 14, Guardians fans will get to watch three of their favorite players among the league’s brightest stars.
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