On July 16, the MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, will witness the electrifying presence of Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, who both earned starting spots through fan voting. This selection reflects their stellar performance and popularity among baseball enthusiasts.
Aaron Judge's Dominance
Aaron Judge has once again captivated the hearts of fans, accruing an astounding 3,425,309 votes in the first round. This achievement marks his sixth American League start in seven All-Star Games, solidifying his place as a perennial favorite. Despite his inability to participate last year due to a sprained right big toe, Judge's influence on the field remains undeniable.
A milestone in Judge's career, he becomes the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970. Last year, he also led the first phase of fan voting, underscoring his consistent appeal and performance.
Bryce Harper's Engaging Return
Bryce Harper, another fan favorite, led the National League with 3,277,920 votes, placing second overall in the balloting. This selection marks Harper's eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven of those as a starter. His inclusion reaffirms his enduring presence and impact on the game.
Voting Phases and Procedures
The process for selecting starters in the All-Star Game underwent significant changes, with the first phase of online voting commencing on June 5 and concluding last Thursday. Fans could vote once every 24 hours, and the player with the most votes in each league secured a starting spot.
The next important date is June 30, when the remaining starters will be announced. Pitchers and reserves will follow, with the reveal scheduled for July 7. Notably, the second phase of voting, which runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, does not carry over votes from the first phase.
Teams with Strong Representation
The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies lead the pack with six players each advancing to the second phase of voting. This strong representation speaks volumes about the depth and talent present in these teams.
Kyle Schwarber and Ryan O'Hearn made significant strides in the voting, overtaking Marcell Ozuna and Giancarlo Stanton, respectively, for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League and American League.
Position-by-Position Finalists
The second phase finalists feature some familiar names and rising stars. In the American League, Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman vie for the catcher position. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle compete at first base, while Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien are the finalists for second base.
For third base in the American League, fans will choose between Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg. Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. are the contenders for the shortstop position. The outfield finalists include Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. Yordan Alvarez faces Ryan O'Hearn for the designated hitter spot.
In the National League, William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto are battling it out for the catcher position. Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte are the finalists for second base, while Alec Bohm and Manny Machado represent the third base hopefuls. Mookie Betts and Trea Turner are the shortstop finalists.
The outfield finalists in the National League present a competitive lineup with Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich vying for the spots. Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber are the designated hitter contenders.
As the excitement builds toward the midsummer classic, the All-Star Game promises to showcase the best talents from across the leagues, highlighted by fan favorites Judge and Harper. With the final phases of voting underway, fans eagerly await the complete lineup that will represent the respective leagues in one of baseball's most cherished traditions.