As anticipation builds for the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, fans are eagerly awaiting the participation of two standout stars: Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper. Both players have secured their spots as starters, riding the wave of overwhelming fan support.
Aaron Judge: A Leading Force
Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees' powerhouse, topped the major leagues in the first round of balloting, amassing an impressive 3,425,309 votes. This marks his sixth American League start in seven All-Star Games. Judge’s popularity among fans is evident, as he has consistently been a top vote-getter, despite facing setbacks. Last year, Judge, who led the fan voting phase, was sidelined due to a sprained right big toe, preventing his participation in the All-Star Game.
Judge’s ballot success in multiple seasons since fan voting resumed in 1970 places him among elite company. Only ten other players have headed the majors in votes more than once, showcasing his lasting impact and appeal in the baseball community. His return this year is highly anticipated, promising thrilling performances on the grand stage.
Bryce Harper: The National League Favorite
On the other side of the ballot, Bryce Harper conquered the National League votes with 3,277,920, coming second overall in the big leagues. This will be Harper’s eighth All-Star appearance, with seven as a starter, further cementing his reputation as one of the brightest talents in baseball. Harper’s consistent excellence resonates well with fans and exemplifies his significant role in the sport.
The honor of a starting spot is awarded to the top vote-getters in each league during the first phase of online voting, which commenced on June 5 and concluded last Thursday. Notably, fans were allowed to vote once every 24 hours, providing ample opportunity to rally behind their favorite players. The second phase of voting runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, with all votes from the first phase reset, offering a fresh start in the selection process.
Anticipation for Remaining Starters
The anticipation continues to build as the remaining starters will be announced on June 30, followed by the revelation of pitchers and reserves on July 7. Teams like the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies are particularly well-represented, each with six players advancing to the second voting phase. Intriguing competitions abound, with players like Kyle Schwarber and Ryan O'Hearn maneuvering into top spots for the designated hitter positions in their respective leagues.
As the final selections approach, fans are eagerly watching the close races for various positions. The American League sees finalists such as Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman for catcher, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle for first base, and Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien for second base. Third base competition includes Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg, while shortstop contenders are Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. The coveted outfield positions are contested by Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. For the designated hitter role, Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn are the finalists.
The National League finalists reveal equally intense rivalries. Catcher position voters can choose between William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto, while second base sees Luis Arraez competing against Ketel Marte. At third base, Alec Bohm and Manny Machado face off, with shortstop finalists Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. Outfield hopefuls include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. The designated hitter contest pits Shohei Ohtani against Kyle Schwarber.
As fans and players alike gear up for the final phase of voting, the energy and excitement surrounding the All-Star Game continue to grow. The meticulous selection process showcases the fans' passion and love for baseball, ensuring that only the most deserving players take the field. With names like Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper leading the charge, this year’s All-Star Game promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the sport’s finest talents.