The New York Mets and Chicago Cubs are facing a surprisingly similar issue as the 2026 MLB All-Star break approaches—both clubs may end up with only one representative despite having high-profile rosters.
According to analysis by ESPN’s David Schoenfield, Mets star Juan Soto and Cubs standout Pete Crow-Armstrong are projected to be the lone All-Star selections from their respective teams, a situation that reflects the broader inconsistency both franchises have experienced this season.
For the Mets, the struggles have been especially pronounced. Sitting at 29–36 and trailing the NL East by 15.5 games, New York has endured a disappointing campaign despite heavy offseason expectations. While Soto has continued to perform at an elite level—even after missing time earlier in the year—there has been little consistent production elsewhere on the roster to support an All-Star case for other players.
The Cubs, although in a better position at 34–32, are also dealing with uneven performances across the lineup and pitching staff. Crow-Armstrong has emerged as their most valuable contributor, delivering a mix of elite defense, speed, and offensive flashes, even if his season has included some inconsistency. His overall impact, however, still places him as the clearest All-Star candidate on the roster.
Beyond Soto and Crow-Armstrong, both teams lack strong All-Star cases. For Chicago, players like Ian Happ have been serviceable but not standout enough to earn league-wide recognition. On the Mets’ side, pitching performances such as Nolan McLean’s 3.98 ERA and Freddy Peralta’s 3.63 ERA have been solid but not dominant, while the bullpen has not produced any clear All-Star-level candidates.
Offensively, New York has also struggled to find consistent contributors outside Soto. No hitter with significant playing time has managed to post elite production, further highlighting the team’s offensive decline and lack of depth in an otherwise star-heavy roster.
Ultimately, both Soto and Crow-Armstrong remain deserving All-Star selections based on individual performance, but the absence of additional representatives underscores the broader underachievement of both the Mets and Cubs during the 2026 season.
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