As the summer heats up, so does anticipation for the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. This year's midsummer classic features some familiar faces, with Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper taking center stage as elected starters, headlining an event brimming with star power.
Aaron Judge: A Fan Favorite
Leading the voting with an astounding 3,425,309 votes, Aaron Judge has solidified his reputation as a fan favorite in the major leagues. This year marks Judge's sixth American League start in seven All-Star Game appearances, a testament to his consistent performance and popularity. Last year, however, Judge was unable to participate due to a sprained right big toe, making this year’s return particularly significant for his fans.
Notably, Judge has led the first phase of fan voting for consecutive years. His influence recalls the impact of only 10 other players who have topped the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970. This achievement underscores Judge's standing in the baseball community and among enthusiasts worldwide.
Bryce Harper: National League Leader
On the other side of the diamond, Bryce Harper has also captured the hearts of fans, topping National League voting with 3,277,920 votes and placing second overall. This selection marks Harper’s eighth appearance in an All-Star Game, with seven of those coming as a starter. Harper's enduring appeal and performance have consistently earned him a spot in the limelight of baseball's elite event.
The Voting Process
The All-Star Game starters earn their spots through a rigorous fan voting process. Voting began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday, allowing fans to vote once every 24 hours. This democratic approach ensures that the most beloved and high-performing players get their due recognition. The voting is split into phases, with only the votes from the first round determining the initial leaders, while the second phase starts at noon EDT on Sunday and concludes at noon EDT on June 30.
The remaining starters, who emerged as finalists in the first round, will be announced on June 30. Pitchers and reserves will be revealed later on July 7, rounding out the rosters for both leagues.
Closely Contested Battles and Finalists
The competition for All-Star spots is fierce, with several players making significant moves in the first phase. Notably, Kyle Schwarber edged past Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among National League designated hitters. Meanwhile, Ryan O'Hearn advanced ahead of Giancarlo Stanton for the American League's corresponding position.
In the American League, the finalists showcase a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Behind the plate, fans will choose between Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman. The first base position pits Vladimir Guerrero Jr. against Ryan Mountcastle, while Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien vie for second base.
The third base competition in the AL features Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg, with Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. contesting the shortstop position. Outfield finalists include Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. For the designated hitter spot, Yordan Alvarez faces Ryan O'Hearn.
In the National League, catching duties will go to either William Contreras or J.T. Realmuto, with Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte competing for second base. Alec Bohm and Manny Machado are the finalists for third base, while Mookie Betts and Trea Turner battle for the shortstop position.
The NL outfield finalists consist of Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. Lastly, the designated hitter slot comes down to Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
Teams with Strong Representation
The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies are particularly well-represented, each having six players advance to the second phase of voting. This strong showing reflects both teams’ competitive seasons and the passionate support from their fanbases.
As the countdown to the All-Star Game continues, players and fans alike await the final results of the second voting phase. The reveal of the final list of starters, pitchers, and reserves promises to add another layer of excitement to what is already shaping up to be an unforgettable event in Arlington.