The Cardinals are sending another player to the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. Ivan Herrera will replace Shohei Ohtani as a designated hitter after the Dodgers superstar withdrew because of knee irritation.
It’s the first All-Star selection for the 26-year-old catcher and designated hitter, and it couldn’t be more deserved.
Herrera’s been one of the National League’s most productive offensive catchers this season, appearing in all 92 of the Cardinals’ games entering Friday. He’s slashing .249/.384/.395 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs, but those numbers don’t tell the full story.
What makes Herrera special is his plate discipline. His 51 walks have helped him post that impressive .384 on-base percentage, making him one of the most valuable offensive catchers in the NL. He’s reaching base at an elite rate while providing the Cardinals with much-needed durability.
The selection caps off an impressive development arc for Herrera. The Cardinals signed him as an international free agent out of Panama back in 2016, and he’s steadily climbed through the organization ever since. He made his MLB debut in 2022, but injuries limited his ability to establish himself as an everyday contributor early on.
That changed this season.
Herrera’s offensive production isn’t a fluke either. After hitting .301 in 2024 and following it with a 19-home run breakout in 2025, he’s proven he belongs at this level. His ability to contribute both behind the plate and at designated hitter only adds to his value.
Now Herrera joins Jordan Walker and Riley O’Brien as Cardinals players headed to Philadelphia for the All-Star Game. Manager Oliver Marmol will also be part of the National League staff, giving St. Louis four representatives at the Midsummer Classic.
That’s pretty impressive when you consider where the Cardinals were supposed to be this season.
Building Around Young Core
The Cardinals entered 2026 viewed by many as a club transitioning toward a younger core. Instead of simply developing for the future, they’ve remained competitive while watching several young players establish themselves as cornerstone pieces.
Players like Walker, Herrera and rookie JJ Wetherholt have helped accelerate that timeline. What makes Herrera’s selection especially meaningful is that it reflects years of development within the organization. He’s overcome injuries and roster competition to become one of the club’s most reliable hitters.
If he continues producing at this level, this likely won’t be his last All-Star appearance.
The one thing that might surprise Cardinals fans is that Wetherholt didn’t make the original National League roster. The rookie infielder has been one of baseball’s most impactful first-year players, hitting .267 with 13 home runs, nine stolen bases and outstanding defensive metrics.
Wetherholt’s all-around production has made him one of the Cardinals’ most valuable players during the first half, so his omission was notable. With Ohtani’s withdrawal opening one roster spot, Herrera ultimately got the call because he filled the designated hitter vacancy.
But additional roster changes before Tuesday’s game could still create another opportunity.
Regardless of whether another invitation comes, the Cardinals already have plenty to celebrate. Herrera’s selection rewards years of patience and perseverance, while also highlighting just how bright the future looks in St. Louis.
The organization continues building around one of baseball’s most exciting young cores, and Herrera’s first All-Star appearance is proof that development plan is working.
