In a compelling showcase of fan support, Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have been elected to start in the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Judge led the major leagues with an astonishing 3,425,309 votes in the first round of balloting, while Harper topped the National League and placed second overall with 3,277,920 votes.
Aaron Judge's Triumphant Return
This marks Judge's sixth American League start in seven All-Star Games, a testament to his consistent excellence and popularity among fans. Last year, Judge was unable to participate in the All-Star Game due to a sprained right big toe, a disappointing absence for fans eager to see him in action. Despite this setback, Judge led the first phase of fan voting in 2022, underscoring his resilience and draw as a player.
Judge’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as he becomes the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970. This distinction places him among an elite group of baseball legends, highlighting his impact on the sport and his lasting appeal.
Bryce Harper's Continued Dominance
Meanwhile, Bryce Harper secured his place as a starter in what will be his eighth All-Star Game appearance. Seven of these appearances have seen Harper starting, reflecting his sustained performance and prominent status in the league. His impressive tally of votes is a clear indicator of his resonance with fans and his influential presence on the field.
Voting Process and Phases
The All-Star voting process is a robust and highly anticipated event, with the first phase of online voting beginning on June 5 and concluding last Thursday. Fans could vote once every 24 hours to support their favorite players. The top vote-getter in each league during this phase earns a starting spot in the All-Star Game.
The remaining starters will be announced on June 30, followed by the reveal of pitchers and reserves on July 7. Notably, votes from the first phase do not carry over to the second phase, ensuring a fresh start for the contenders.
Top Teams and Players Advancing
The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies each have six players advancing to the second phase, showcasing the depth of talent within these franchises. Among notable shifts in the leaderboard, Kyle Schwarber overtook Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League, while Ryan O'Hearn moved ahead of Giancarlo Stanton for the second position among designated hitters in the American League.
Finalists for Key Positions
The excitement continues to build as the finalists for various positions have been announced:
For the American League catcher position, Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman will vie for the top spot. The first base battle will be between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle, while Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien are the contenders for second base. At third base, Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg will compete, with Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. in the running for shortstop. The outfield finalists include Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker, while Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn are the designated hitter finalists.
In the National League, the catcher position will be decided between William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto. Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte are the second base contenders, and Alec Bohm and Manny Machado will compete for third base honors. The shortstop finalists are Mookie Betts and Trea Turner, while the outfield positions feature Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. The designated hitter finalists are Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
Anticipation Builds for Final Selections
As the second phase of voting runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, baseball fans eagerly await the final selections. The competitive spirit and fan engagement epitomize the All-Star Game’s significance in celebrating the sport's finest talents. With the stage set and the votes pouring in, this year's All-Star Game promises to be a memorable event filled with thrilling performances and cherished baseball moments.