The Philadelphia Phillies will serve as hosts for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Several Phillies stars are expected to earn All-Star selections, including Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Jhoan Duran, and Cristopher Sanchez. However, the biggest question surrounding Philadelphia’s potential representatives is whether any of them will be chosen to start the game.
According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Sanchez not only appears likely to make the National League roster, but is also projected to start for the NL pitching staff.
Cristopher Sanchez projected to start All-Star Game for National League
“Cristopher Sanchez, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies (starter),” Bowden predicted. “Sanchez recently ended a historic streak of 50 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings and has developed into the ace of the Phillies staff. If he continues to pitch as he has so far this season, he’ll be the popular pick to throw the first All-Star pitch at his home park.”
With the Midsummer Classic set to take place at Citizens Bank Park, Sanchez earning the starting nod for the National League would create a memorable moment for Phillies fans, especially considering the elite competition he faces.
Los Angeles Dodgers stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes, along with Milwaukee Brewers aces Jacob Misiorowski and Kyle Harrison, are all viewed as serious candidates to start the game.
Still, Sanchez’s remarkable season may separate him from the field. His 50.2-inning scoreless streak — the longest ever by a left-handed pitcher — combined with a 1.46 ERA, 4.7 bWAR, and 298 ERA+ has made him the clear favorite to start for the National League.
Even with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts potentially leaning toward Ohtani, Sanchez’s dominance throughout the season has made him arguably the most deserving pitcher in the NL to take the mound first in the All-Star Game.
Bowden believes Sanchez will ultimately receive that honor, something Phillies fans would undoubtedly celebrate for their ace, who is also considered the current frontrunner in the NL Cy Young race.