What time does the 2026 MLB All-Star Game start tonight?
If you're asking what time the All-Star Game starts, the 2026 MLB Midsummer Classic kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 14, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, airing nationally on FOX. Kyle Schwarber will lead off for the host National League after Shohei Ohtani steps aside for a knee procedure. ESPN's experts say the showcase still packs enough star power to stop fans in their tracks — even with a few marquee names sidelined.
The 96th edition marks Philadelphia's first All-Star hosting duties at Citizens Bank Park, with six Phillies on the roster and left-hander Cristopher Sanchez set to start for the NL. For more on big sports nights like this, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
Key Takeaways
- First pitch is 8 p.m. ET on FOX at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
- Kyle Schwarber leads off for the NL at home, replacing Shohei Ohtani.
- ESPN highlights Trout, Witt Jr., Schwarber, Crow-Armstrong and Misiorowski as must-watch talents.
- Ohtani and Misiorowski will not play; Trout and Schwarber still anchor the starting lineups.
- CBS Sports lists major sportsbook welcome offers totaling nearly $6,000 for new bettors.
Who are the must-watch players at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game?
ESPN asked its MLB experts and fellow All-Stars which players make them stop everything — naming Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Schwarber, Mike Trout, Bobby Witt Jr., Jacob Misiorowski and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Schwarber's raw power tops the list for many peers. Trout, 34, returns for his first All-Star Game since 2019 and leads off for the American League. Witt Jr. draws praise for elite shortstop defense — the kind that turns shallow left-field bloopers into outs.
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong ranks first among all fielders in Statcast fielding run value at plus-17 runs. Fellow All-Star CJ Abrams put it simply: hit it over the fence or don't hit to PCA.
Misiorowski's heater dominates when he pitches — averaging 100.5 mph as a starter, with a 105.5 mph fastball to Crow-Armstrong earlier this season. Witt Jr. called him electric, saying hitters must lock in against that velocity.
Why is Kyle Schwarber leading off for the National League?
According to 6abc Philadelphia and ESPN, Schwarber will bat first as the NL designated hitter after Ohtani skipped the game for a knee procedure ahead of the second half.
NL manager Dave Roberts slots the Phillies slugger ahead of Juan Soto, Freddie Freeman and a lineup featuring two Philadelphia starters — Schwarber and Brandon Marsh in right field. Sanchez starts on the mound for the home crowd.
Schwarber nearly won Monday's Home Run Derby and was the 2025 All-Star Game MVP after the NL's swing-off victory. At Citizens Bank Park, his leadoff role gives Philadelphia fans an immediate reason to cheer.
Which stars are missing from Tuesday's All-Star showcase?
Injuries and pitching schedules thin the field. Ohtani, voted in as starting DH, will not appear. Misiorowski withdrew with arm fatigue after Milwaukee scratched him from a Sunday start, telling reporters missing the game stinks but rest is the right call.
The Yankees' Aaron Judge is also out with a rib injury. ESPN notes that without Ohtani, Judge and several top arms, this roster cycle still highlights rising AL stars including Witt, Junior Caminero and Shea Langeliers.
How can fans watch and bet on the 2026 MLB All-Star Game?
Beyond the 8 p.m. ET FOX telecast, Toronto right-hander Dylan Cease starts for the AL against Sanchez and the NL. The NL enters as a favorite at Citizens Bank Park.
Per CBS Sports, sportsbooks including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics and bet365 are offering welcome promotions that add up to nearly $6,000 in bonus bets for new users. Markets cover moneylines, totals and player props for the Midsummer Classic.