Big things were expected from Parker Messick this season, but not even the most optimistic Cleveland Guardians fan may have seen this coming. Not only has the 25-year-old become arguably the team’s top pitcher in his first full MLB campaign, but he is also recognized as one of the best hurlers in the game.
Messick was recently named to the AL All-Star team, and his first-time selection was certainly well-deserved. He ranks among the league’s best in several major categories and has helped Cleveland stay in or near first place in the AL Central all year long.
Entering the upcoming All-Star break, Messick also has earned a top nod among MLB’s best rookies, with CBS Sports ranking him at No. 3.
“The lefty Messick was largely dominant in the minors coming out of Florida State, and he also impressed across seven starts last year. Still rookie-eligible in 2026, Messick has thrived over 18 starts in 2026. In 80 2/3 innings — the most among 2026 rookies at this writing — he has an ERA of 2.80/149 ERA+ and 109 strikeouts against 30 unintentional walks. Messick isn’t a hard thrower, but he has a six-pitch repertoire with a changeup that has real wipeout potential,” Dayn Perry wrote.
Messick is behind only Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle at No. 1 and St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt at No. 2. The rankings are based on which players have provided the most on-field value to their teams, and taking the mound every fifth day, Messick has certainly filled that criterion.
So far this season, Messick has a 7-5 record as a result of a recent slump. The Guardians won the game in nine of his first 11 starts, but they have since lost six of seven with him on the mound.
In those latest outings, Messick has given up one run twice and two runs twice, so he is continuing to pitch at a high level. A workhorse who threw at least 121 innings in each of his previous professional seasons, he should continue to thrive over the second half of the season, based in part on his rising velocity.
The 2026 All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Messick will be joined there by fellow rookie teammate Travis Bazzana, a second baseman who is listed in the “just missed” category of CBS’s top 10 list. Guardians closer Cade Smith was also named to the AL team.
Messick should be available to pitch in the game, as he makes his final start of the first half on Friday against the Miami Marlins.
NEXT: Gavin Williams Has Honest Assessment Of His First Half Performance
