Six Monarchs Selected to 2026 All-Star Game
Kansas City, KS — The 2026 American Association All-Star game in Lincoln, NE will have an abundant of Monarch representatives as six players from Kansas City will make the trip to Haymarket Park. The position players include second baseman Sahid Valenzuela, third baseman Austin Callahan, and infielder Saul Garza. Out of the bullpen, the pitchers will be Ryan Garcia, Durbin Feltman, and Tyler Myrick. All these players will be on the West Division’s roster ahead of the game on July 15th.
Manager Joe Calfapietra said, “It’s a tribute to the organization.” He is very proud of all these players getting a chance to represent Kansas City in the All-Star game.
Valenzuela has shined in his first season as a Monarch and currently leads the team in batting average with a career high (.314). The Yuma, AZ native has appeared in 39 games and has is currently tied for eighth in the league in hits (49) while registering team highs in runs (39) and OBP (.390). The switch hitter has totaled 16 multi-hit games with 12 RBI’s and been extremely disciplined at the plate. Out of his 156 AB’s, he’s only been struck out 26 times. Not only has he been outstanding at the dish, the former A’s product has been exceptional in the field. Valenzuela has shuffled between second base/shortstop and will appear in the All-Star game at second. This will be the first All-Star game Valenzuela has appeared in since high school in California where he was named the Great West League All-Star game MVP.
One of the key starters out on the Monarchs pitching staff is right-hander, Garcia. The former UCLA All-American is tied for first on team with six wins while throwing 40.2 innings and shoving in 37 strikeouts. That is good for 2.21 ERA and and has the second best WHIP in the association with a 0.96. Out of his eight starts, he’s allowed no runs in five of them while putting together a pair of nine-strikeout performances. Garcia was an easy selection for All-Star game.
The Nebraska native and third baseman, Callahan will return to his home state for the All-Star game. Since coming from the Reds organization, Callahan has produced a terrific first half of the season. He is second on the team in batting average (.296), hits (48), and also managed to grab knocks in 28 of 39 games including a 12-game hit streak. The former JUCO product has connected on six homers and as added 29 RBI’s which is tied for first amongst the group. Callahan has made timely plays at third and has been a lockdown infielder in the hot corner.
A closer who leads the team in saves is Feltman. The f0rmer Red Sox product has been a crucial part to the Monarchs bullpen with a team-leading five saves which is good for fifth in the association. He has thrown 15 punch outs in only 11 innings on the bump for a 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. Kansas City goes to Feltman when they need a game won which earned him a spot on the West Division roster.
Garza will make his first All-Star appearance in a Monarchs uniform come July 15th. He is the team leader with 12 homers which is also tied for third in the league. The former Royals prospect has produced 39 hits and 28 RBI’s to go with a .269 batting average. Saul leads the team with 87 total bases and has crossed home plate 30 times, tied with Valenzuela. He has also amassed eight-multi hit games and has been patient at the dish with 15 walks. Garza will not start in the game, but will surely make an appearance.
Myrick has stepped onto the scene and been a welcome addition to this deep bullpen. The Gainesville, FL native has struck out nine batters with 13.1 innings on the bump. He has only given up two tallies while delivering a 1.35 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP and also two holds. The hard-throwing right-hander has been impressive and will step on the mound in Lincoln in two weeks.
