Willson Contreras and the Boston Red Sox are currently sitting in last place in the American League East (40-48). Contreras has been Boston's best hitter, as the 6-foot first baseman leads the team in batting average (.284), home runs (20) and RBIs (59), along with OBP (.378) and OPS (.921).
The 34-year-old is also tied with center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela for the team lead in WAR (3.6). When MLB officially announced the 2026 All-Star Game rosters on the Fourth of July, Contreras' name was nowhere to be seen. Left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez, who has a 3.15 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and leads the Red Sox in strikeouts, and closer Aroldis Chapman, who has 18 saves, were named as Boston's representatives.
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
On Tuesday, Contreras got the honor he deserved, as he was added to the 2026 American League All-Star team. The now four-time All-Star replaced Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who will miss the event with a sore back. That same day, the Red Sox went to social media to celebrate their third All-Star selection.
Boston went to X, posting that it will have another representative in Philadelphia for the game. The post contains a graphic with the words "ALL-STAR" plastered on top, along with a photograph of Contreras. The insignia for the 2026 All-Star Game is also shown in the bottom left-hand corner, with the word "BOUND" next to it.
"Another Sox rep in Philly ⭐️," Boston wrote on X. "Willson Contreras has been added to the AL All-Star team!"
The 96th Midsummer Classic will be hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, at 8 p.m. ET.
