All-Star Game Selections: Harper and Judge Lead the Pack
Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game selections have been announced, with Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper receiving top honors to start in the much-anticipated event on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Aaron Judge Tops Voting
Aaron Judge, a standout player in the major leagues, led the first round of balloting with an impressive 3,425,309 votes. This marks Judge's sixth American League start in seven All-Star Game appearances, underscoring his consistent popularity and performance. Last year, fans were disappointed when Judge couldn't participate due to a sprained right big toe. Nevertheless, he led the first phase of fan voting in 2022, further cementing his status as a fan favorite.
Judge is not new to leading voting tallies. He joins the elite group as the 11th player to top the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970. This sort of consistency is a testament to his prowess on the field and his rapport with baseball fans across the country.
Bryce Harper’s Continued Dominance
Bryce Harper, no stranger to All-Star Game appearances, topped the National League and placed second overall in the big leagues with 3,277,920 votes. This selection marks Harper's eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven of these as a starter. His formidable presence and performance have made him a stalwart in the league.
Voting Process and Results
The All-Star Game selection process is conducted in phases, with starting spots awarded to the top vote-getter in each league during the first phase, which ran from June 5 and concluded last Thursday. Individuals could cast their votes once every 24 hours, ensuring a democratic approach to the selection process.
The second phase of voting, where the remaining starters and pitchers will be determined, runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30. Importantly, votes from the first phase do not carry over to the second phase, giving a fresh slate to the nominated players. The remaining starters will be announced on June 30, followed by the reveal of pitchers and reserves on July 7.
Several players have advanced to the second phase from various teams. Notably, the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies each have six players moving forward. In the National League, Kyle Schwarber edged out Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters, while in the American League, Ryan O’Hearn surpassed Giancarlo Stanton for the same position.
Position-Specific Finalists
As the competition heats up, several key positions have promising candidates vying for a starting spot in the All-Star Game. For catcher in the American League, Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman are the finalists, whereas for first base, it’s a close contest between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle. In the second base category, fans will choose between Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien. The third base finalists are Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg.
Meanwhile, the shortstop position has narrowed down to Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. The outfield sees an interesting mix of Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. For designated hitter in the American League, Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O’Hearn are in the running.
The National League features a competitive lineup as well. William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto are the finalists for catcher, while Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte are in contention for second base. Third base finalists include Alec Bohm and Manny Machado. In the coveted shortstop position, the choice is between Mookie Betts and Trea Turner.
The outfield in the National League sees a bevy of talent with Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. Lastly, for designated hitter, Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber lead the votes.
The All-Star Game remains one of the pinnacle events of the baseball season, showcasing the talents of the game’s brightest stars. As fans eagerly await the final announcements, the stage is set for another thrilling display of athletic prowess and sportsmanship.