Iván Herrera's All-Star selection brings Panama back to MLB's biggest game

Panamanian player Iván Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals will represent his country at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, filling the roster spot vacated by Shohei Ohtani. Herrera's selection is a significant moment for Panamanian baseball, as he is the first player from the nation to earn an All-Star nod in 13 years. The last Panamanian to achieve this honor was legendary closer Mariano Rivera in 2013, during what was the final All-Star appearance of his illustrious career.

Herrera, who has split time between catcher and designated hitter for the Cardinals in the 2026 season, has demonstrated considerable skill at the plate. His batting average stands at .249, with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs, contributing to 60 runs scored. Notably, his on-base percentage (OBP) is .381, a testament to his disciplined approach at the plate, which manager Oliver Marmol has frequently praised. Herrera's ability to avoid chasing pitches outside the strike zone has been a key factor in his high OBP.

Beyond his offensive contributions, Herrera has also shown adeptness in utilizing the automated ball-strike system (ABS) introduced in 2026. He has reportedly won a majority of challenges both as a hitter and a catcher, adding measurable value to the Cardinals. After primarily serving as a designated hitter in 2025 due to knee and hamstring issues, Herrera has returned to catching more frequently in 2026 following elbow surgery. He has focused on improving defensive aspects like framing pitches and blocking, showing significant progress.

Interestingly, Herrera has performed better on the road this season, posting higher batting averages and slugging percentages away from Busch Stadium. This road warrior trend adds another layer to his developing profile as a key player for the Cardinals. His journey to the All-Star Game is a source of pride for Panama, reconnecting the nation with the Midsummer Classic after a significant drought.

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His ability to not chase pitches outside the zone allows him to maintain an outstanding OBP (approaching .400 at several points in the campaign).