The St. Louis Cardinals are sending another player to the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. After Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani withdrew from the Midsummer Classic because of knee irritation, Cardinals designated hitter and catcher Ivan Herrera was selected as his replacement, giving the 26-year-old the first All-Star honor of his MLB career.
It’s a well-deserved recognition for one of the National League’s most productive offensive catchers, and it gives St. Louis another representative during what has been an encouraging first half of the season.
Ivan Herrera finally gets the All-Star recognition he earned
Herrera’s path to becoming an All-Star hasn’t been the smoothest. Signed by the Cardinals as an international free agent out of Panama in 2016, Herrera steadily climbed through the organization’s farm system before making his major league debut in 2022. While his bat consistently showed promise, injuries limited his ability to establish himself as an everyday contributor during his first few seasons.
That changed in 2026. Herrera has appeared in all 92 of the Cardinals’ games entering Friday, providing much-needed durability while producing at the plate. He’s slashing .249/.384/.395 with 11 home runs, 40 RBIs and an impressive .384 on-base percentage.
While those traditional numbers may not immediately jump off the page, Herrera’s elite plate discipline has made him one of the National League’s most valuable offensive catchers and designated hitters. His 51 walks have helped him reach base at one of the highest rates among players at his position, giving St. Louis a steady presence in the middle of the lineup.
The selection also continues an impressive upward trajectory for Herrera. After hitting .301 in 2024 and following it with a 19-home run breakout in 2025, he’s proven that his offensive production is no fluke.
His ability to contribute both behind the plate and at designated hitter only strengthens his overall value.
Cardinals continue to be well represented in Philadelphia
Herrera now joins Jordan Walker and Riley O’Brien as Cardinals players headed to Philadelphia for the All-Star Game, while manager Oliver Marmol will also be part of the National League staff. Considering the expectations surrounding St. Louis entering the season, it’s an impressive accomplishment.
The Cardinals entered 2026 viewed by many as a club transitioning toward a younger core, but players like Walker, Herrera and rookie JJ Wetherholt have helped accelerate that timeline. Instead of simply developing for the future, St. Louis has remained competitive while watching several young players establish themselves as cornerstone pieces.
Herrera’s selection is especially meaningful because it reflects years of development within the organization. Since signing as a teenager out of Panama, he has steadily improved every season, overcoming injuries and roster competition to become one of the club’s most reliable hitters.
His first All-Star appearance is likely the first of several if he continues producing at this level.
MORE: Jordan Walker announces he’ll compete in Home Run Derby after monster first half
JJ Wetherholt still has a strong case
While Herrera’s selection is reason to celebrate, many Cardinals fans will still wonder how rookie infielder JJ Wetherholt was left off the original National League roster. Wetherholt has been one of baseball’s most impactful rookies, hitting .267 with 13 home runs, nine stolen bases and outstanding defensive metrics. His all-around production has made him one of the Cardinals’ most valuable players during the first half.
With Ohtani’s withdrawal opening one roster spot, Herrera ultimately received the call because he filled the designated hitter vacancy. Even so, Wetherholt’s performance has been difficult to ignore, and additional roster changes before Tuesday’s All-Star Game could still create another opportunity.
Regardless of whether another invitation comes, the Cardinals already have plenty to celebrate. Herrera’s long-awaited first All-Star selection rewards years of patience and perseverance, while also highlighting just how bright the future looks in St. Louis as the organization continues building around one of baseball’s most exciting young cores.