Contreras will replace Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who opted out of the ASG due to low back tightness. Justin Edmonds / Getty ImagesBy The Athletic MLB StaffJuly 7, 2026 Updated 2:30 pm EDTBoston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras has been named an American League All-Star, replacing Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the league announced on Tuesday.Guerrero Jr. opted out of next week’s All-Star Game with low back tightness. Contreras will serve as a reserve on the AL roster, with the Athletics’ Nick Kurtz starting at first base.Contreras’ addition figures to be the first of many anticipated All-Star replacement announcements.
Contreras, 34, is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career, hitting .284 with a .921 OPS, 15 doubles and a team-leading 20 homers out of the cleanup spot for the Red Sox. He hit 20 homers in 135 games last season and seems likely to surpass his career-high 24 homers in 2019.This marks the fourth All-Star team for which Contreras has been named. He was also an All-Star in 2018, 2019 and 2022.Last week, he was in the center of a benches-clearing brawl with the Washington Nationals. Starter Cade Cavalli struck out Contreras, then shouted, ‘Sit down, boy!’ at Contreras as the infielder charged the mound and threw his helmet. Contreras and Cavalli were each suspended seven games. Cavalli had his sentence reduced to five games, while Contreras is still awaiting a ruling on his appeal with MLB.
