CBS Sports Unveils 2026 MLB All-Fun Team Focused on Entertainment Value
Major League Baseball's entertainment arm has released its annual All-Fun Team, curating players based on unique skills and the visual thrill of their play rather than strictly performance metrics.
CBS Sports has released its 2026 Major League Baseball All-Fun Team, a roster designed to highlight the most entertaining players at each position rather than strictly the best statistical performers. The selection features a mix of established superstars, power sluggers, and high-impact rookies, recognising unique skills and on-field entertainment value. Notable inclusions feature Munetaka Murakami, Nico Hoerner, Rafael Devers, Ezequiel Duran, Ronald Acuña Jr., Yordan Alvarez, and pitchers Paul Skenes and Zac Gallen.
The publication explicitly states that this team is curated based on the aesthetic pleasure of watching specific players in action, distinguishing it from standard awards driven by data. The selections are not necessarily the best players in terms of output, but are chosen for the enjoyment they provide to fans, acknowledging that while baseball involves significant losing, appreciating skilled athletes is a key part of the fandom.
Among the outfielders, the team highlights the novelty of Munetaka Murakami, a Japanese rookie whose hitting style is described as firing the ball out of a rocket launcher. He is joined by Nico Hoerner, selected for his all-around hitting ability and defensive prowess, which includes highlight-reel plays. Ronald Acuña Jr. is also included, noted for his established status as a fan favourite and his capability to dominate the field.
In the lineup, Rafael Devers is recognised for his consistent stat-sheet stuffing and speed, while Ezequiel Duran is selected for his wild inconsistency and tools. Yordan Alvarez is included for his imposing presence at the plate and his mission to destroy opposing pitchers, adding a layer of intimidation to the entertainment value.
The pitching staff round out the roster with Paul Skenes and Zac Gallen. Skenes is chosen for his domination factor and potential for greatness, while Gallen is selected for his old-school mentality and ability to finish games. The inclusion of these pitchers underscores the team's focus on the visual spectacle of pitching, whether through sheer power or strategic completeness.
CBS Sports notes that this list represents one man's opinion and invites disagreement, but the underlying criteria remain clear: the players must offer a unique skill set that provides entertainment. The roster avoids including team owners, a deliberate choice to focus solely on the athletes on the field.
The announcement serves as a reminder that while statistical performance is important, the visual and emotional experience of watching baseball is equally vital to the sport's appeal. By blending established stars with emerging talent, the 2026 All-Fun Team aims to capture the diverse and unpredictable nature of the game.
