Red Sox Make Willson Contreras Announcement Before White Sox Game
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.
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!"
Another Sox rep in Philly
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 7, 2026
Willson Contreras has been added to the AL All-Star team! pic.twitter.com/NkIXm3BH1y
The 96th Midsummer Classic will be hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, at 8 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 12:14 PM.