Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper Lead the Way in All-Star Voting
As the baseball world eagerly awaits the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the excitement is already mounting. MLB announced that Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have been elected to start, leading the list of luminaries set to grace the mid-summer classic.
Aaron Judge's All-Star Dominance
Aaron Judge continues to captivate fans with his prodigious talent and towering presence. The New York Yankees slugger led the major leagues with an impressive 3,425,309 votes in the first round of balloting. This accolade marks his sixth American League start in seven All-Star Games, a testament to his consistent excellence and popularity. Notably, Judge’s absence from last year’s game due to a sprained right big toe has only made his return more anticipated.
Judge's extraordinary fan support positions him among baseball’s elite. He is the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970. Judge’s dominance in fan voting was evident even last year when he led the first phase despite being unable to participate. His return to the ball field this year is undoubtedly one of the season’s highlights.
Bryce Harper's National League Triumph
On the National League side, Bryce Harper has cemented his status as a fan favorite, topping the National League with 3,277,920 votes and placing second overall. This selection marks Harper's eighth All-Star Game appearance and the seventh time he will start. The Philadelphia Phillies outfielder has been a consistent force, and his fan base remains as passionate as ever.
Voting Mechanics and Key Dates
The path to the All-Star Game starts with fan engagement. Starting spots are awarded to the top vote-getters in each league during the first phase of online voting, which began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday. Fans could cast their votes once every 24 hours, ensuring a democratic and interactive selection process.
The second phase of voting runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, with the results not carrying over from the first phase. This ensures that each vote counts and provides fans with multiple opportunities to support their favorite players. The remaining All-Star starters will be announced on June 30, followed by the reveal of pitchers and reserves on July 7.
Teams and Players in Focus
A few teams have garnered considerable attention due to their players' performance in the voting rounds. Both the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies have six players advancing to the second phase, reflecting the depth of talent within these squads. Notable shifts in voting saw Kyle Schwarber overtake Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League, while Ryan O'Hearn moved ahead of Giancarlo Stanton in the American League's designated hitter ranks.
Contending for Positions
As fans eagerly cast their final votes, a look at the finalists for each league reveals a competitive field. In the American League, the finalists for the catcher position are Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman; for first base, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. faces off against Ryan Mountcastle. Second base sees Jose Altuve against Marcus Semien, and at third base, Jose Ramirez contends with Jordan Westburg. The shortstop battle is between Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr., while outfield hopefuls include Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. For the designated hitter spot, Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn are the finalists.
In the National League, the catcher position is contested by William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto. The second base finalists are Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte, while Alec Bohm and Manny Machado vie for the third base spot. The shortstop finalists are Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. Outfield contenders include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. The designated hitter position will be decided between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
As the All-Star Game approaches, the anticipation builds. Fans' votes reflect not just player performance but also the deep connection between players and supporters. Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper’s standout vote tallies set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of baseball’s finest talents.