Top MLB seasons you might've missed: Gabriel Moreno, Ty France, Cade Cavalli and more

In the 2026 MLB season, a number of players have put up impressive performances that have gone unnoticed. This collection of players, dubbed the All-Russ Team, includes some standout names such as Gabriel Moreno, Ty France, Cade Cavalli, and others.

Gabriel Moreno, the catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been an exceptional force. At 23 years old, Moreno led the D-backs to the 2023 World Series. This season, he has shined both offensively and defensively, hitting .308 with 16 homers and 81 RBI in 128 games. His .871 OPS is tied for 11th in baseball. Furthermore, Moreno leads MLB backstops with 5.2 fWAR this season.

Ty France, the first baseman for the San Diego Padres, has been the team's most consistent hitter this year. After bouncing around the game for a few years, France's return to the Padres proved to be a game-changer. He has achieved career highs in several offensive categories, including batting average, slugging percentage, OPS, and home runs. He’s striking out at a .877 OPS through 129 games.

Reid Detmers, the left-hander for the Los Angeles Angels, has had a breakout season. After pitching primarily in the bullpen in 2025, Detmers turned himself into one of the best starters in the sport. He has compiled a 6-8 record with a 3.47 ERA and 204 strikeouts in 179 innings across 31 starts. His second-half performance is particularly noteworthy, with a 2.05 ERA in 12 starts since the All-Star break, which is the seventh-lowest in MLB.

Brandon Lowe, the second baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has consistently hit the ball out of the ballpark since joining the league. In his first season with the Pirates, Lowe has led the team's offense, slashing .262/.332/.493 with 34 homers and 95 RBI in 148 games. His defensive skills have also improved, with a career-best 14 outs above average and 14 defensive runs saved.

Jake Bauers, the first baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, has been a testament to the power of being in the right situation. Prior to this season, Bauers had never had more than 423 plate appearances. However, after a strong start to the year, he has risen to the forefront of the offense, slashing .267/.393/.490 with 26 homers and 83 RBI. His on-base percentage leads the National League, and he's positioned to become a playoff hero for Milwaukee.

Dominic Canzone, the designated hitter for the Seattle Mariners, has become the Mariners' second-best offensive player this season. Despite playing only 82 games before this year, Canzone has shown his potential in Seattle. He has slugged .262/.333/.482 with a career-high 22 homers and a .814 OPS.

Lastly, Cade Cavalli, the pitcher for the Washington Nationals, has been an underwhelming addition to the team's rebuild. However, in 2026, Cavalli has proven himself to be much more than just an innings eater. He has gone 13-5 with 200 strikeouts in 32 starts. This season marks the first time a Nationals starter has reached 200 strikeouts since 2019 when Corbin, Strasburg, and Scherzer accomplished the feat. In recognition of his performance, the Nationals have signed Cavalli to a four-year, $47 million extension.