Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper Headline All-Star Starters
The excitement for the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, is palpable. Among the many stars set to grace the field, two names stand out: Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper. These powerhouse players have been elected to start in what promises to be a scintillating showcase of baseball talent.
Aaron Judge, arguably one of the most electrifying players in the sport, led the major leagues with a staggering 3,425,309 votes in the first round of balloting. This will mark Judge's sixth American League start in seven All-Star Games, a testament to his consistency and popularity among fans. His performance is all the more impressive given that he missed last year's All-Star Game due to a sprained right big toe. Notably, Judge also led the first phase of fan voting in 2022. With this year's accolade, he becomes the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970.
Bryce Harper, another luminary in the baseball world, topped the National League and placed second overall in the big leagues with 3,277,920 votes. This is Harper's eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven of those as a starter. Harper’s consistent presence in the All-Star lineup further cements his status as one of the game's elite players.
The process of selecting All-Star starters is an engaging one for fans. Starting spots are awarded to the top vote-getter in each league during the first phase of online voting, a period that began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday. Fans had the opportunity to vote once every 24 hours, making their voices heard in the selection process. The second phase of voting, which runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, determines the remaining starters. Importantly, votes from the first phase do not carry over to the second phase, ensuring a fresh slate for the final selection round. The remaining starters will be announced on June 30, with pitchers and reserves to be revealed on July 7.
In the American League, the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies have shown significant representation, with each team advancing six players to the second phase. Changes in the rankings for designated hitters have been noteworthy. In the National League, Kyle Schwarber overtook Marcell Ozuna for the second spot, while in the American League, Ryan O'Hearn moved ahead of Giancarlo Stanton. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of the voting process and the competitive spirit among fans.
As the All-Star Game approaches, fans eagerly anticipate seeing their favorite players on the field. Key matchups to watch include the finalists for various positions in both leagues. In the American League, Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman vie for the catcher position, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle compete for first base. Second base finalists are Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien, and for third base, fans will choose between Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg. At shortstop, Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. are the contenders, with the outfield positions featuring Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. Finally, the designated hitter spot sees competition between Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn.
The National League has its own share of exciting contests. William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto are the finalists for the catcher position, while Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte compete for second base. Alec Bohm and Manny Machado are the third base finalists, and the shortstop position sees a showdown between Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. Outfield finalists include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. The designated hitter finalists are Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber, adding another layer of intrigue to the selection process.
The All-Star Game is not just a celebration of talent, but a reflection of the fans' passion for the sport. As the second phase of voting unfolds, it's clear that both Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have cemented their places among baseball's elite, drawing fans to the ballpark and television screens alike. Their presence in the lineup is a reminder of the enduring appeal of baseball's biggest stars, and a promise of an unforgettable game come July 16.