All-Star Game Selection Excitement Builds as Voting Phases Conclude
As anticipation mounts for the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the rosters are beginning to take shape with fan favorites Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper leading the way. Both players have been elected to start, thanks to the overwhelming support from baseball enthusiasts.
Aaron Judge, the powerhouse outfielder for the New York Yankees, topped the major leagues in the first round of balloting with an impressive 3,425,309 votes. This marks Judge's sixth American League start in seven All-Star Games, a testament to his consistent performance and popularity. Although Judge was sidelined from last year’s All-Star Game due to a sprained right big toe, he remains a formidable figure in the lineup and a fan favorite. Notably, Judge is one of only 11 players to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970, further cementing his legacy among the greats.
On the National League side, Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies garnered the most votes, finishing just behind Judge with 3,277,920 votes. Harper’s selection to this year’s event will be his eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven of those as a starter. His consistent high performance continues to earn him a prominent spot in the hearts of fans and on the field.
The selection process for the All-Star Game is thorough and engaging for fans. Starting spots are awarded to the top vote-getters in each league during the initial phase of online voting, which began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday. Individuals had the opportunity to cast their votes daily, intensifying the competition among top players.
The spotlight on the remaining starters will shine on June 30, with pitchers and reserves to be revealed on July 7. Fans will again play a crucial role in the second phase of voting, which runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30. It’s worth noting that votes from the first phase do not carry over to the second phase, ensuring a fresh and fair evaluation of players.
As we move forward, the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies have shown particular strength, each boasting six players advancing to the second phase. Fans in Baltimore and Philadelphia are undoubtedly excited about the representation of their teams in the upcoming All-Star Game.
In a dramatic turn of events, Kyle Schwarber managed to edge out Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League. Meanwhile, Ryan O'Hearn overtook Giancarlo Stanton for the second position among designated hitters in the American League. The competition remains fierce, reflecting the deep talent pool this season.
Position-specific finalists have now been determined for both leagues. In the American League, the catcher position race will be between Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman. First base sees a showdown between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle. For second base, it will be Jose Altuve versus Marcus Semien, while third base features Jose Ramirez facing off against Jordan Westburg. Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. will vie for the shortstop position, and the outfield finalists are Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. In the designated hitter category, Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn will compete for the top spot.
In the National League, William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto are the finalists for the catcher position. Second base finalists Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte will look to secure the starting role. At third base, Alec Bohm and Manny Machado will battle it out. Meanwhile, shortstop finalists Mookie Betts and Trea Turner seek the fans’ favor. Outfield contenders include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. Lastly, the designated hitter finalists are Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
The excitement surrounding the All-Star Game is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the final lineup. The meticulous voting process epitomizes the deep engagement and passion fans have for America’s pastime, ensuring the most deserving players earn their time in the spotlight.