SF Giants’ Webb, Arraez named to 2026 National League All-Star team

DENVER — Logan Webb and Luis Arraez have often been described as throwbacks. Webb, the ace who throws upwards of 200 innings every year. Arraez, the contact specialist who’s allergic to strikeouts. These archetypes, once commonplace, are an endangered species, a style of ballplayer that belongs to the past.

Some traditions, as Webb and Arraez have proven, never go out of style.

Webb and Arraez were named to the National League All-Star team on Saturday afternoon, the third and fourth selections of their respective careers.

“Webb, obviously, did what he did over the course of a month and is always a workhorse for us. But also, kind of like we talked about yesterday, it’s a celebration of his career, which is more than well deserved,” said manager Tony Vitello. “Then, Louie’s received this honor before. What he’s done in the past is nothing to slouch at either, but I think there’s much to talk about as it relates to Louie’s season in 2026 and the dedication he and [infield coach Ron Washington] have to prove that he’s not just in contention for a batting title as he always is, but a Gold Glove as well.”

Vitello broke the news to Webb and Arraez in a pregame meeting before Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. For Vitello, a rookie manager, this was his first opportunity to make such an announcement.

“I didn’t want to mess it up,” Vitello said. “It’s my first go-around, and a couple others’ first go-around, too. But, kind of an honor to be able to announce to guys. It provided an opportunity for us to reset a little bit.”

While Webb and Arraez will be San Francisco’s only two representatives at the Midsummer Classic, which will take place on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park, they weren’t the only Giants who made compelling cases to make the team. Third baseman Matt Chapman, outfielder Jung Hoo Lee and super utility man Casey Schmitt all have had seasons worthy of consideration and could potentially find a spot on the team if any injuries arise.

“To be honest with you, there’s probably about three other guys that should be an All-Star,” Webb said. “Probably more deserving than me. That kind of sucks because the teams that usually win more have more All-Stars. Guys like Jungy and Casey and Robbie [Ray] that should be All-Stars that aren’t — Chappy should be an All-Star.”

Webb, 29, becomes the first Giants pitcher to earn three consecutive All-Star selections since Madison Bumgarner (2013-2016).

“To be honest, I didn’t really expect this,” Webb said. “It’s always nice to be recognized by your peers and teammates and coaches around baseball. It’s obviously a cool honor.”

Webb owns a 5-6 record with a 3.66 ERA and 78 strikeouts over 15 starts this year, but his season can be divided into two parts. San Francisco’s ace struggled to start the season, posting a 5.06 ERA over his first eight starts before landing on the injured list with right knee bursitis. Since returning, Webb has once again looked like the anchor of the Giants’ rotation.

Even after a brutal outing on Friday, Webb owns a 2.18 ERA over his last seven starts since coming off the injured list. Webb was named National League Pitcher of the Month for the first time in his career after allowing just three earned runs over five starts in June, his 0.71 ERA being the lowest in a single month by a Giant since Noah Lowry in August 2005.

For Webb, the key to getting back on track was “getting back to what I do well.”

“It’s kind of why I didn’t really expect it, just because of how poorly the season started,” Webb said. “Honestly, [with] yesterday, I don’t really feel like an All-Star today. But, I think the month of June, just kind of getting back to throwing more strikes and attacking guys, trying not to be involved over the middle of the plate.”

Webb’s next outing would be on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, putting him in line to pitch in the All-Star Game. The righty pitched for the National League in his first two appearances, and he anticipates being available once again.

“Whenever you get a chance to if you’re available, you should,” Webb said.

Arraez, 29, is in the midst of the most complete season of his career, a year made possible by his completely unforeseen improvement on defense.

Before signing a one-year, $12 million deal with San Francisco, Arraez graded out as one of the worst defenders in baseball since making his debut. With the help of Washington, Arraez hasn’t just become a serviceable defender, but has been one of the best defenders in the majors this season.

“He was very excited,” Arraez said of Washington. “He said a lot of good things to me. I really appreciate Wash. He’s like my grandfather right now. I love him. I just want to say God bless him and I have to enjoy him right now.”

Entering Saturday, Arraez is tied for fourth in the majors in outs above average, a range-based defensive metric, at +11. If not for the Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt (+17), Arraez would be the runaway favorite to win his first career Gold Glove Award.

“The work ethic was always there. I think getting around Wash and really putting his nose into it has been really fun to watch,” Webb said.

At the plate, Arraez has rebounded from a two-year slide and should be in competition for his fourth batting title. Entering Saturday, Arraez’s .326 batting average ranks second in the majors to only the Miami Marlins’ Otto Lopez (.337). By OPS+, Arraez has been 33 percent better than a league-average hitter, which would be a career best.

“I wasn’t healthy last year. I got a concussion; I almost passed out,” Arraez said. “Like I said, we had another opportunity this year to work hard and then try to do my best at second base. That’s what I’m doing right now: try to be Luis Arraez, try to compete, try to do the little things to help the team win. Everybody knows we’re not playing good baseball right now, but baseball is like that. Baseball is up and down, and then you just need to continue to work hard.”

Arraez has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lost season, but his days with the Giants are likely numbered. San Francisco is all but guaranteed to sell at the Aug. 3 trade deadline, entering the Fourth of July with a 36-51 record, and there will be no shortage of teams vying for Arraez’s services.