Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper Lead Vote-Getters in All-Star Game Selections
As the votes have been tallied and released, Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have emerged as marquee names leading the fan-selected starters for the upcoming All-Star Game, scheduled for July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Securing their spots as starters, both Judge and Harper have demonstrated their continued influence and popularity among fans.
Judge commanded the leaderboard with a staggering 3,425,309 votes, the most in the major leagues, securing his position as the starting outfielder for the American League. This marks Judge's sixth start in seven All-Star appearances, an impressive record that speaks volumes about his consistent performance and fan appeal. His absence last year due to a sprained right big toe did not seem to dampen voter enthusiasm; he also led the first phase of fan voting in 2022. Judge’s ability to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions places him among the elite, as he becomes the 11th player to achieve this feat since fan balloting resumed in 1970.
Bryce Harper, leading the National League and placing second overall in votes with 3,277,920, has equally proven his star power. This will be Harper’s eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven of those as a starter, reaffirming his status as a perennial fan favorite. Their respective showings underline the widespread support and recognition both players have garnered across the league.
The All-Star selection process has been an inclusive engagement for the fans, starting on June 5 and concluding its first phase last Thursday. Fans could cast their votes once every 24 hours, ensuring the player selection was a true reflection of the public’s favorites. The top vote-getters in each league earn starting spots, culminating in an eagerly anticipated lineup announcement for the first phase. The remaining starters are set to be revealed on June 30, while pitchers and reserves will be announced on July 7.
Looking into the intricate details of the voting, some notable examples of tight races include Kyle Schwarber, who managed to surpass Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League. Similarly, Ryan O’Hearn has taken a competitive edge over Giancarlo Stanton for the designated hitter spot in the American League. The progression to the second phase is equally intriguing with the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies each having six players in contention, poised to take center stage.
The finalists for various positions reflect a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. For instance, in the American League, the catcher position will be contested between Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman, while first base will see Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle go head-to-head. The second base competition between Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien promises to be another focal point, alongside the third base clash featuring Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg. At shortstop, Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. will vie for fan approval, while the outfield has Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker as its prominent candidates. The designated hitter finalists include Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O’Hearn.
In the National League, the catcher spot will see William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto in contention. The second base and third base positions will feature Luis Arraez versus Ketel Marte, and Alec Bohm versus Manny Machado respectively. The shortstop showdown will be between Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. Outfield contenders include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. The designated hitter category will be a high-profile duel between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
The second phase of voting, a critical component in finalizing the All-Star lineups, runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30. Fans' votes from the first phase do not carry over, resetting the stakes for all candidates.
As anticipation builds for the final selections and the eventual game itself, the All-Star Game continues to generate excitement, offering players a platform to showcase their talents to a broader audience. With a collage of past legends and future stars, this year's event promises to be a memorable showcase of the best in baseball.