The 2026 MLB All-Star Week has already created some exciting moments. On Monday, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker won the Home Run Derby, beating out Philadelphia Philliesdesignated hitterKyle Schwarber in the final round.
While each league has a handful of talented players, Los Angeles Dodgersfirst basemanFreddie Freeman is enjoying his 10th All-Star Game appearance. This is also the sixth straight selection for the 36-year-old.
It's a well-deserved honor for the slugger. In 355 at-bats so far this season, he is slashing .290/.375/.487 for a .862 OPS. His 2.7 WAR is tied for the highest among qualified National League first basemen, according to FanGraphs.
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After being selected 10 times, the veteran has gotten a healthy dose of All-Star Week experiences. However, when speaking to the media on Tuesday, Freeman explained that he never wants to lose appreciation for the opportunity to be around the league's top players.
“You don’t want to be that old guy who thinks it’s not cool to be here anymore,” Freeman said. “It really is special to be here. It’s an honor, especially when the fans vote you in. So try and take it all in and try to create some memories with the boys.”
Freeman is far from the only one who still views this as a major achievement. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who is leading the NL team, said, "I've always believed that it's an honor. It's a huge honor to be named an All-Star, to be able to participate in this game," according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
Freeman's appreciation of the All-Star Game echoes the same sentiments as his manager. As the starting first baseman, he and the NL are set to take on the AL on Tuesday, with first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park.
