As the baseball world eagerly anticipates the midsummer classic, the excitement for this year’s All-Star Game is palpable, particularly for fans of Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper. Both titans of the sport have secured starting positions in the July 16 All-Star Game, set to take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Aaron Judge: Leading with Dominance
Aaron Judge continues to carve out his legacy as one of baseball's elite. Leading the major leagues with an impressive 3,425,309 votes in the first round of balloting, Judge’s selection marks his sixth American League start in seven All-Star Games. This is a noteworthy comeback for the slugger, who missed last year’s All-Star Game due to a sprained right big toe. Despite his absence last year, his popularity among fans has not waned. Judge’s undeniable talent and impact on the field are underscored by the fact that he led the first phase of fan voting in both 2022 and 2023, making him the 11th player to lead the majors in votes multiple times since fan balloting resumed in 1970.
Bryce Harper: National League's Favorite
On the other hand, Bryce Harper continues to be a fan favorite in the National League. Topping the National League with 3,277,920 votes and placing second overall in the majors, Harper’s vote count showcases his widespread popularity. This year marks Harper’s eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven of those as a starter. His consistency and performance on the field have made him an indispensable talent in the league.
The Voting Process
The All-Star Game selection process is a two-phase online voting system. The first phase, which began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday, allowed fans to vote once every 24 hours. The top vote-getter in each league during this phase earns a starting spot. As such, Judge and Harper’s spots are secured. However, the remaining starters will be announced on June 30, while the pitchers and reserves will be revealed on July 7.
It’s important to note that the votes from the first phase do not carry over to the second phase, which runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30. This ensures a fresh start for candidates who are vying for the remaining starting positions.
Teams in the Spotlight
The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies have had strong showings in the voting process, with six players from each team advancing to the second phase. This reflects the fans' appreciation of the talent within these clubs and highlights the depth of skill present in the rosters.
Key Player Movements
There have been some interesting developments in the player standings. In the National League, Kyle Schwarber has overtaken Marcell Ozuna to secure the second spot among designated hitters. Meanwhile, in the American League, Ryan O'Hearn has moved ahead of Giancarlo Stanton for the second spot among designated hitters.
Finalists to Watch
The finalists for each position are now in the spotlight. In the American League, for the catcher position, the battle is between Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman. At first base, it’s down to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle. Second base sees Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien as the top contenders, with third base finalists being Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg. The shortstop position finalists are Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. For the outfield positions, Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker have emerged as the top choices, while the designated hitter spot is contested by Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn.
In the National League, the catcher finalists are William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto. The second base position is a contest between Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte. For third base, Alec Bohm and Manny Machado are the top contenders. At shortstop, the finalists are Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. The outfield finalists include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. The designated hitter position sees a face-off between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
As the second phase of voting continues, fans will be eagerly casting their ballots to ensure their favorite players earn a starting spot in what promises to be an exciting All-Star Game. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents in the finalist roster guarantees a game filled with both skill and spectacle. Baseball enthusiasts around the globe will be watching closely as the final rosters take shape.