Suarez returns to Philly with all-time relief K's leader Chapman to represent Sox

ANAHEIM -- The Red Sox will have two representatives at the upcoming Midsummer Classic, as Major League Baseball officially announced the rosters for the 2026 All-Star Game ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. A pair of standout left-handed pitchers will represent Boston on the American League squad.

Headlining the selections is veteran closer Aroldis Chapman, who was elected to the team by a vote of his peers. The player-voted honor comes right on the heels of a historic personal milestone. In Friday night's series opener, the 38-year-old left-hander earned his 17th save of the season and recorded his 1,364th career strikeout, officially breaking Hoyt Wilhelm's 54-year-old Major League record for the most career strikeouts by a relief pitcher.

Chapman expressed gratitude for a strong first half, noting that the player ballot carried specific significance for him.

"I think it's really important. It's big for me, that fact," Chapman said through interpreter Daveson Pérez. "I think it's a testament to how they recognize the amount of discipline and hard work that I've put in. And to have that recognized, it's kind of them showing me my merit with how I've been performing over the years."

Now a nine-time All-Star, the veteran noted that his perspective on the festivities has shifted as he enters the later stages of his career.

"Everyone knows it. I'm 38, so some might say, you know, I'm reaching the end of my career," Chapman said. "So I'm just going to enjoy it. I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can, because you don't ever know if this is going to be the last one -- the last time that I get selected."

Joining Chapman in the All-Star festivities is frontline starter Ranger Suarez, who was selected to the roster by Major League Baseball following the fan and player election cycles. Since joining the Red Sox's rotation on a five-year contract in January, Suarez has pitched to a 2.94 ERA over 16 starts.

Suárez was previously selected in 2024 but was unable to participate due to an injury.

"This will be nice to be able to be present there and take it all in," Suárez said through Pérez. "Just looking to go and enjoy, be a part of it, have fun with everybody there. This being my first one that I'm there, who knows, maybe I'll get to play in the game and be a part of it in that way."

The game holds additional familiarity for Suárez, as it will take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia -- the home stadium the Phillies, with whom he spent the first eight seasons of his career.

“We all know my history there as my former team, but I think the most important thing is just wherever it is, go there and enjoy it," Suárez said. "Just really proud and pumped to represent Boston in the All-Star Game this year."

Both pitchers have been central to the team's pitching strategy this season. The selections provide recognition to Boston with an All-Star arm from two distinct parts of the staff, combining Chapman’s high-leverage relief with Suarez’s consistent production in the rotation.

Here is more on the Red Sox's 2026 All-Stars:

Red Sox All-Star Selections

Aroldis Chapman, LHP
Previous All-Star appearances: 8 (2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024)
Something to know: In this age of triple-digit velocity, Chapman is perhaps the pioneer. On Sept. 24, 2010, while pitching for the Reds, Chapman threw a 105.8-mph pitch, still the fastest on record since MLB started tracking pitch velocity in 2008.

Ranger Suarez, LHP
Previous All-Star appearances: 1 (2024)
Something to know: Suarez is so calm, his teammates often wonder if he has a pulse. That demeanor has served him particularly well in the postseason, as evidenced by his 4-1 record and 1.48 ERA in 11 appearances, including eight starts.