Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have once again solidified their status as perennial fan favorites, being elected to start in the upcoming All-Star Game set for July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Leading the majors with an impressive 3,425,309 votes in the first round of balloting, Judge demonstrated his widespread popularity and remarkable performance on the field. This selection marks Judge's sixth American League start in seven All-Star appearances, a testament to his consistent excellence and appeal among fans.
Despite a setback last year due to a sprained right big toe that prevented him from participating in the All-Star Game, Judge continues to prove his resilience and skill. Notably, he had led the first phase of fan voting in 2022 as well. This year’s accolade makes him the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970, placing him in an elite group of players recognized for their superstar capabilities.
Bryce Harper, competing in his eighth All-Star Game with seven as a starter, followed closely behind Judge in the voting tally. Harper topped the National League and placed second overall with 3,277,920 votes, showcasing his enduring star power and the respect he commands in the baseball community. Their selection underscores the exciting performance levels that both players consistently bring to the field.
Fan Voting Process
The selection process for the All-Star starters relies heavily on fan participation. Starting spots are awarded to the top vote-getter in each league during the first phase of online voting, which kicked off on June 5 and wrapped up last Thursday. Fans could cast their votes once every 24 hours, demonstrating the global engagement and enthusiasm for Major League Baseball.
The announcement of the remaining starters is scheduled for June 30, with pitchers and reserves being revealed on July 7. The second phase of voting runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, with votes from the first phase not carrying over, ensuring a fresh start for all finalists. This year, the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies will have significant representation, each advancing six players to the second phase, underscoring the depth of talent on both teams.
Standout Finalists
Among the notable developments in the voting process, Kyle Schwarber surpassed 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 in the American League’s designated hitter category. Such shifts highlight the dynamic nature of fan engagement and the strong performances by these players throughout the season.
The finalists for various positions in both leagues feature a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. For the American League catcher spot, Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman stand as the top contenders. At first base, the choice will be between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle, while Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien vie for the second base position. The third base finalists include Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg, with Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. as the shortstop candidates. The outfield finalists are Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker, and the designated hitter spot will see a competition between Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn.
In the National League, the catcher finalists are William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto. The second base position sees Luis Arraez going head-to-head with Ketel Marte, and Alec Bohm will compete against Manny Machado for third base. The shortstop category is a marquee matchup between Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. Outfield choices include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich, while designated hitter voting is between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
As fans eagerly await the next round of voting and the final roster announcements, the excitement is palpable. The process not only celebrates individual excellence but also showcases the diverse and rich talent pool within Major League Baseball. With superstars like Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper leading the charge, this year's All-Star Game promises to be a thrilling showcase of the sport's best and brightest talents.