Three way-too-early Red Sox All-Star contenders

TL;DR

The Boston Red Sox have three potential All-Star candidates for 2026: Willson Contreras, Wilyer Abreu, and Aroldis Chapman. Despite a rocky start to the season, these players have shown impressive stats and past All-Star experience.

Key points

Red Sox have three All-Star hopefuls for 2026
Willson Contreras leads with strong offensive stats
Aroldis Chapman is a seasoned All-Star with 8 selections

Mentioned in this story

Philadelphia

Boston Red SoxMLB All-Star Game

DETROIT, MI - MAY 05: Willson Contreras #40 of the Boston Red Sox rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Izzy Rincon/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images The playoff-bound Red Sox posted three All-Star selections in 2025 with Alex Bregman, Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman. The trio of offseason additions stood among the game’s top performers, though the closer was the only Boston player to suit up for the midsummer classic in Atlanta. Baseball sits just over two months from the All-Star break, which this year will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia as part of America 250 celebrations across the country. The star-spangled celebration of the country’s national pastime should be a memorable installment. While Boston remains under .500 to start the season, the Red Sox could still have legitimate representatives in the game. Here are three Red Sox hopefuls who could find themselves in Philadelphia in mid-July: **Willson Contreras** ***2026 Stats (Entering Thursday): .264/.376/.481, .856 OPS, 8 HR, 23 RBI*** ***Previous All-Star selections: 3 (2018, 2019, 2022)*** Boston really can’t ask for much more from the veteran first baseman so far in a Red Sox uniform. He’s the lone source of true power in the lineup and his energy is a rare sparkplug for a clubhouse that’s needed exactly that time and time again. **** ***2026 Stats (Entering Thursday): .299/.381/.467, .848 OPS, 5 HR, 16 RBI*** ***Previous All-Star selections: N/A*** Abreu already has a pair of Gold Gloves to his name. A strong start offensively could put Abreu in the All-Star conversation and earn more deserved national attention as a standout in Boston’s outfield log jam. **Aroldis Chapman** ***2026 Stats (Entering Thursday): 0-1, 0.77 ERA, 12 G, 9 SV, 14 K, 3 BB*** ***Previous All-Star selections: 8 (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2025)*** The Red Sox have had some lengthy stretches without Chapman pitching this season. Nonetheless, he’s done the job when his number gets called. The lefty put together a resurgent 2025 campaign where he was nearly unhittable for the Red Sox. He may be a tick below that this season, but he’s still one of the better relievers in the sport.

Q&A

Who are the top Red Sox All-Star contenders for 2026?

The top contenders are Willson Contreras, Wilyer Abreu, and Aroldis Chapman.

What are Willson Contreras's stats for the 2026 season so far?

As of now, Willson Contreras has a batting average of .264, an OPS of .856, 8 home runs, and 23 RBIs.

How many All-Star selections does Aroldis Chapman have?

Aroldis Chapman has 8 previous All-Star selections, with his most recent being in 2025.