Photo by Joshua Peacock on Unsplash
The 27th edition of the MLB All-Star Futures Game is underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. NBC and Peacock are broadcasting the annual prospect showcase. The event features talent from every Major League organization. Nearly 40 players also appear on the MLB Pipeline Top 100 Prospects list. Both starting pitchers rank among baseball’s most highly regarded young arms.
Larry Bowa manages the American League team. He gave the ball to Mariners left-hander Kade Anderson, MLB’s No. 5 overall prospect. Anderson entered the game with a Minor League-leading 1.36 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP. He also posted an 8-1 record for Double-A Arkansas. Shane Victorino leads the National League squad. He started Phillies right-hander Gage Wood, MLB’s No. 51 prospect. Wood owns a 3.44 ERA and has held opponents to a .207 batting average through 16 starts between Single-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading.
Early action: De Vries puts the American League ahead
The American League struck first in the opening inning. Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries, MLB’s No. 2 overall prospect, singled to begin the game. He quickly stole second and third base before scoring on a groundout from Red Sox prospect Franklin Arias, MLB’s No. 7 overall prospect. The run gave the American League a 1-0 lead before the National League stepped to the plate.
Hernandez lights up the radar gun
Seth Hernandez, Pittsburgh’s top prospect and MLB’s No. 6 overall prospect, made an instant impact after taking the mound in the second inning. He fired his first pitch at 100.2 mph. The right-hander then struck out two batters during a perfect 1-2-3 inning. His overpowering fastball immediately energized the crowd.
National League levels the score
The National League answered in the third inning with aggressive baserunning. Pirates outfielder Edward Florentino, MLB’s No. 30 prospect, reached after a pitch hit him. He stole second base and moved to third on a fielder’s choice. Brewers shortstop Jesus Made, MLB’s No. 1 overall prospect, drove him home with a groundout. The ball left his bat at 106.9 mph. The game remained tied as play continued.
Full lineups for the 2026 MLB All-Star Futures Game
American League: Leo De Vries, SS (Athletics); Franklin Arias, 2B (Red Sox); Ralphy Velazquez, 1B (Guardians); Walker Jenkins, CF (Twins); Blake Mitchell, C (Royals); Caleb Bonemer, 3B (White Sox); Ike Irish, DH (Orioles); Nelson Rada, LF (Angels); Theo Gillen, RF (Rays). Starting pitcher: Kade Anderson, LHP (Mariners).
National League: Eli Willits, 2B (Nationals); Roldy Brito, CF (Rockies); Jesus Made, SS (Brewers); Charlie Condon, 1B (Rockies); Josue De Paula, LF (Dodgers); Alfredo Duno, C (Reds); Ethan Salas, DH (Padres); Luis Pena, 3B (Brewers); Edward Florentino, RF (Pirates). Starting pitcher: Gage Wood, RHP (Phillies).
Source: MLB.com
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