Nolan McLean and Juan Soto are officially on the ballot for the 2026 All-MLB team, and that’s just massive news! It highlights two absolutely phenomenal seasons, one from a breakout star who just exploded onto the scene, and another from a veteran slugger who simply refused to be held back by injury. These guys have been electric all year, earning every bit of this recognition.
The Rookie Phenom Who Blew Us Away
Let’s kick things off with Nolan McLean, because man, what a season this 26-year-old phenom has put together! He’s not just a Rookie of the Year contender; he’s been an absolute force on the mound in his first full year. Thirty-one starts, folks! That’s a full workload, and he delivered, racking up a stellar 3.0 bWAR with a lights-out 3.16 ERA. His 128 ERA+ tells you everything you need to know about how dominant he’s been compared to the league average. And talk about painting corners, this guy punched out 194 batters over 179 and two-thirds innings. That’s serious stuff, and it shows he’s not just getting by, he’s taking over. We even saw a glimpse of that power back on June 17, when he pitched against the Cincinnati Reds, with his team leading 3-1 after just three innings. McLean has been bringing that kind of energy all year.
Soto’s Unstoppable Comeback Tour
And then there’s Juan Soto, a guy who faced serious adversity this season. He missed a staggering 51 games due to injury! That’s a huge chunk of the season. Yet, somehow, he still churned out an incredible 3.0 bWAR, matching McLean’s total despite all that missed time. His batting line of .275/.393/.515, powered by 27 massive home runs and an insane 154 OPS+, tells you everything. He didn’t just come back; he came back and reminded everyone why he’s one of the best hitters in the game, injury or not. That’s pure willpower, pure talent, and it’s incredible to see him get this nod after battling through so much.
The All-MLB Team Stakes
So, how do these guys even get picked for the All-MLB team? It’s not just one person’s call, which is awesome. It’s a combo of fan votes and expert panelists, making it a true reflection of the season’s best. They’re picking the top performers from *both* leagues, totally based on the 2026 regular season. We’re talking about a first and second team, selecting a catcher, first base, second, third, shortstop, three outfielders, a designated hitter, five starting pitchers, and two relief pitchers. McLean is going up against some serious giants in the pitching world, guys like Sandy Alcantara, Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, and Tarik Skubal. And Soto? He’s battling it out in that outfield with other powerhouses like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Mike Trout, James Wood, and Byron Buxton. The competition is absolutely stacked, making this nomination even more impressive for both of them!
The voting lines are open right now! You can cast your ballot starting today, September 28, and you’ve got until Friday, October 9, to make your voice heard. Then, we all wait with bated breath for November 11, when the entire All-MLB team gets announced at the official MLB Awards ceremony in Las Vegas. It’s going to be awesome to see which of these incredible players get the recognition they absolutely deserve after such stellar seasons. Don’t forget to vote!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Amazin’ Avenue.
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