Full Breakdown
Ken Rosenthal Predicts Historic NL Pitching Staff for 2026 All-Star Game
6/2/2026, 4:25:10 AM
Predicted Historic NL Pitching Staff
Ken Rosenthal told colleague Kevin Burkhardt that the National League could field “maybe the greatest NL All-Star [pitching] staff assembled, maybe the greatest staff, period.” He suggested the 2026 Midsummer Classic may feature a rotation and bullpen unmatched, though he stopped short of predicting a no-hit effort.
Context: Depth of National League Arms
The MLB All-Star Game showcases the league’s top talent. Rosenthal’s assessment reflects the depth of National League arms in 2026, where Cy Young winners, World Series champions, and emerging stars have posted league-leading numbers. The projection underscores a broader trend of strong NL pitching.
Key Pitchers Projected for the NL Squad
- Skenes – second-year Cy Young winner, 1.97 ERA, MLB-best 6.25 K/BB ratio (still holds in third season).
- Sale – 2024 NL Cy Young winner, 2.38 ERA, 235 strikeouts; 2026 record 8-3, 2.01 ERA over 11 starts.
- Misiorowski – 6-2, league-best 108 K in 12 starts; May: 0.23 ERA, 57 K, six walks.
- Sanchez – majors-best 1.47 ERA, 41 straight scoreless innings, Phillies record 44 2/3 innings.
- Ohtani – first full season on mound for Dodgers, 0.82 ERA, 5-2 record in nine starts.
- Yamamoto – World Series MVP, 69 K, 2.86 ERA in 11 starts.
- Burns – promoted late 2025, 7-1, 1.96 ERA, 72 K in 11 starts, 27.9 % K rate.
- Miller – closer, league leader 17 saves, 10 hits, two earned runs in 24 appearances; Duran – 12 saves in 17 appearances.
Statistical Highlights
The projected staff features two pitchers with sub-1.00 ERAs (Ohtani’s 0.82 and Misiorowski’s May 0.23) and Sanchez, who leads the league with a 1.47 ERA. It also includes two Cy Young winners (Skenes, Sale) and a bullpen leader (Miller). Together the starters have over 500 strikeouts and league-best ERA marks in several categories.
Implications for the 2026 Midsummer Classic
If selected, the NL roster could dominate the pitching matchup, limiting offense and shifting All-Star expectations. Fans hoping for high-scoring games may instead see a contest defined by dominant arms, matching Rosenthal’s forecast of a historically strong NL staff.
Official Statements & Responses
Rosenthal highlighted the unprecedented quality of the NL’s pitching pool, noting the mix of veteran Cy Young winners and breakout performers. He cautioned that a no-hit All-Star Game is possible but not guaranteed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This could be maybe the greatest NL All-Star [pitching] staff assembled, maybe the greatest staff, period,” — Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports analyst
- “I'm not saying there's going to be a no-hitter in the All-Star Game, but I'm not saying there won't be either.” — Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports analyst
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources provide a single perspective; no opposing analysis or alternative roster projections are presented.
What’s Next
MLB will announce the official 2026 All-Star rosters in July, confirming which of the highlighted pitchers will represent the National League.
