2026 MLB All-Star Game MVP: what the experts are picking
Reigning 2025 winner Kyle Schwarber and Phillies teammate Bryce Harper are co-favorites at +1300 for the 2026 all star game mvp at Citizens Bank Park, per DraftKings odds cited by CBS Sports. Four CBS analysts instead picked Travis Bazzana, Kevin McGonigle, CJ Abrams, and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
The 2026 MLB All-Star Game brings the sport's biggest names to Philadelphia on Tuesday night, with bragging rights on the line even though the result no longer decides World Series home-field advantage. Last year, Schwarber carried the National League to victory in a tiebreaker swing-off and took home MVP honors. This year's market and expert panels reflect that history — and the recent trend of bench players stealing the spotlight.
Key Takeaways
- Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper share +1300 co-favorite odds for the Ted Williams All-Star Game MVP Award, according to DraftKings lines cited by CBS Sports.
- CBS Sports experts picked four different players: Travis Bazzana, Kevin McGonigle, CJ Abrams, and Pete Crow-Armstrong — not the betting favorites.
- None of the last three All-Star Game MVPs started the game, a pattern Mike Axisa highlighted when backing Bazzana.
- Only five players have won the award twice since 1962; Mike Trout is the sole back-to-back winner.
- Schwarber could become the second player ever to repeat if he stars again at his home ballpark.
Who Are the Betting Favorites for All-Star Game MVP?
DraftKings opened the 2026 all star game mvp market with Phillies teammates Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper tied at +1300, CBS Sports reported. Juan Soto follows at +1800, with Junior Caminero, Bobby Witt Jr., Yandy Díaz, Munetaka Murakami, and Mike Trout listed at +2200.
The hometown angle matters. Schwarber won last year's award after three home runs in the sport's first swing-off tiebreaker, and he returns to Citizens Bank Park as the defending honoree. MLB.com noted that a second trophy would elevate Schwarber into rare company among multi-time winners.
Which Experts Did CBS Sports Pick to Win MVP?
CBS Sports writers Mike Axisa, Kate Feldman, Dayn Perry, and Matt Snyder each chose a different player — none of them the co-favorites.
Axisa backed Guardians rookie Travis Bazzana, arguing that bench players often get more plate appearances. Elias Díaz (2023), Jarren Duran (2024), and Schwarber (2025) all won without starting. Axisa cited Citizens Bank Park as a favorable spot for left-handed fly-ball hitters like Bazzana.
Feldman picked Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle, calling him the standout in a deep rookie class and noting reserves typically see more action. Perry chose Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams for an early homer and defensive highlights as the NL starter. Snyder selected Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, citing his .385/.483/.770 line with 15 homers and 12 steals over his last 38 games.
Could Schwarber Join the Multi-Time MVP Club?
According to MLB.com, only five players have won the All-Star Game MVP more than once since the award began in 1962: Willie Mays, Steve Garvey, Gary Carter, Cal Ripken Jr., and Mike Trout. Trout remains the only player to earn the honor in consecutive years (2014 and 2015).
Schwarber supplied the three most impactful swings of the 2025 Midsummer Classic to capture his first Ted Williams Award. Doing it again on Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park would make him just the sixth member of that exclusive group — and only the second to repeat in back-to-back years.
What Do DraftKings DFS Strategies Suggest?
On the fantasy side, DraftKings Network analyst Garion Thorne highlighted Yordan Alvarez as a Showdown captain pick despite limited plate appearances, citing his 100th-percentile expected batting average (.335), slugging (.713), and wOBA (.474). Utility selections included Shea Langeliers, Max Muncy, and Phillies reliever Jhoan Duran, while Miguel Vargas was listed as a fade.
For more star-driven sports coverage, browse our Celebrity Breaking News section as the Midsummer Classic unfolds.