Fans have spoken, and the results are in: Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper are set to light up the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. These two powerhouses claimed their starting spots through an impressive show of support during the fan voting process.
Aaron Judge Dominates Voting
Aaron Judge led the charge in the American League with a commanding 3,425,309 votes in the first phase of balloting. This marks Judge's sixth All-Star start in seven appearances, solidifying his status as a fan favorite and a fixture in the mid-summer classic. Despite missing last year's game due to a sprained right big toe, Judge's dominance in the voting process continued, as evidenced by his leading vote count in both 2022 and this year.
Judge's ability to consistently resonate with fans is further highlighted by his inclusion in an elite group of only 11 players who have led the majors in voting on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970. This achievement underscores his impact on the game and his popularity among baseball enthusiasts.
Bryce Harper's Continued Excellence
On the National League side, Bryce Harper topped the list with 3,277,920 votes, placing second overall in the major leagues. Harper's eighth All-Star appearance, and seventh as a starter, reflects his enduring excellence and the strong connection he maintains with fans. His performance has been nothing short of spectacular, securing his place among the game's elite once again.
The Voting Process
The All-Star Game's starting spots are awarded to the top vote-getters in each league during the first phase of online voting, which kicked off on June 5 and concluded last Thursday. Fans were given the opportunity to vote once every 24 hours, ensuring a democratic process that truly reflects public sentiment. The remaining starters will be announced on June 30, followed by the unveiling of pitchers and reserves on July 7.
The second phase of voting, which runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, will determine who will join Judge and Harper. It's important to note that votes from the first phase do not carry over, resetting the stage for another round of fan engagement and decision-making.
Teams and Individual Efforts
The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies both saw six players advance to the second phase, a testament to the talent and popularity of these teams. In particular, Kyle Schwarber's rise over Marcell Ozuna to secure the second spot among National League designated hitters, and Ryan O'Hearn's advancement past Giancarlo Stanton in the American League, are noteworthy milestones.
The position-specific finalists for the American League include renowned names: Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman for catcher, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle for first base, Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien for second base, Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg for third base, Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. for shortstop, and Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker for outfield positions. In the designated hitter position, Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn will contend for the starting role.
Over in the National League, the competition is equally fierce. Catcher finalists include William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto, with Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte vying for second base. For third base, Alec Bohm and Manny Machado are the top contenders. At shortstop, fans will choose between 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 National League's designated hitter position pits Shohei Ohtani against Kyle Schwarber.
As the anticipation builds for the All-Star Game, fans eagerly await the next rounds of voting and the final roster announcements. The excitement surrounding the event is a testament to the passion and dedication of baseball fans worldwide, who have once again demonstrated their love for the game and its stars. Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper are set to headline what promises to be an unforgettable night of baseball in Arlington.