A Milestone Year for Minnesota’s Stars
The Minnesota Twins will be well-represented at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia on July 14, as center fielder Byron Buxton and starting pitcher Joe Ryan were officially named to the American League roster. For Buxton, the selection marks a significant career milestone; for the first time, he has been voted in by fans as a starter.
Buxton, who has navigated a long road of injury-plagued seasons, has solidified his status as one of the league’s top talents. He is currently batting .269 with 25 home runs and 45 RBIs in 74 games. His performance has been a cornerstone for the Twins, who currently boast the highest run-scoring average in the American League at 4.9 runs per game.
“To be recognized like that, it means a lot,” Buxton told reporters at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. “It’s been a little bit longer road to get to this spot. But to finally get here, and know it’s deserving, makes it special.”
Ryan Secures Spot on Merit
For right-handed pitcher Joe Ryan, this selection is his second consecutive All-Star nod. Unlike his 2025 appearance—which required back-channel negotiations by manager Rocco Baldelli to secure an injury-replacement spot—Ryan earned this year’s invitation through consistent, high-level performance.
Ryan currently holds a 5-5 record with a 3.61 ERA and 113 strikeouts over 97 1/3 innings. Reflecting on his growth, Ryan noted the importance of consistency. “Last year was getting on the team and crossing that bridge. Now, doing it again and thinking, ‘We’ve got to keep winning baseball games,’” he said.
The duo’s return to the All-Star stage serves as a testament to the team’s current trajectory. As the Twins continue to push for a strong post-All-Star break finish, the leadership and production of Buxton and Ryan remain critical to the front office’s strategy ahead of the August 3 trade deadline.