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MLB All-Star Futures Game 2026: Willits leads star-studded roster

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NEW YORK -- Eli Willits headlines the All-Star Futures Game roster as the Washington Nationals shortstop and top draft pick. Joining him are Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula and Brewers sensation Jesús Made, both returning after previous All-Star recognition. The 50-player roster features 15 first-round selections from last year's draft, showcasing baseball's brightest emerging talent for the July 12 Philadelphia showcase.

The roster includes six of the top eight draft picks, featuring Mariners left-hander Kade Anderson and Yankees right-hander Carlos Lagrange, who's touched 100 mph this season. First-time selections span Colorado's Charlie Condon and Twins' Kaelen Culpepper. Prospects are distributed across all levels: eight in Triple-A, 20 at Double-A, 18 in High-A, and three in Class A, demonstrating the broad talent base throughout the minors.

Past Futures Game participants demonstrate remarkable success rates. 86.8% have reached the major leagues, with 259 players earning subsequent All-Star honors. Former Phillies slugger Shane Victorino manages the National League team, while Larry Bowa handles the American League squad. The seven-inning NL versus AL format returns for its fifth iteration since 2019, when the US versus World model concluded after two decades.

This gathering of tomorrow's stars provides immediate context for this season's trade deadline movements and upcoming negotiations. Teams evaluating their long-term infield and outfield configurations will find valuable intelligence in observing these prospects' current performance levels against advanced competition.