Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper Earn Starting Spots in All-Star Game
In a display of popular acclaim, Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have been elected to start in the highly anticipated All-Star Game scheduled for July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Aaron Judge Dominates Fan Votes
Leading the charge in fan engagement, Aaron Judge garnered a whopping 3,425,309 votes in the first round of balloting, making him the most voted player across the major leagues. This notable achievement marks Judge's sixth American League start in seven All-Star Game appearances, underscoring his consistent performance and popularity among baseball enthusiasts.
Judge’s accolade comes after a setback last year when he was unable to participate due to a sprained right big toe, an injury that could've hindered his momentum. Nevertheless, 2022 saw him leading the first phase of fan voting, highlighting his uninterrupted fan base. Furthermore, Judge’s commendable feat of leading the majors in votes on multiple occasions places him among an elite group of 11 players since fan balloting resumed in 1970.
Bryce Harper Shines in the National League
Not far behind Judge in terms of popularity, Bryce Harper topped the National League with 3,277,920 votes, securing his spot as a starter. This marks Harper's eighth appearance in the All-Star Game, with seven of those as a starter, reflecting his enduring legacy and performance on the field.
Voting Details and Process
The first phase of online voting, which began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday, allowed fans to vote once every 24 hours to determine the starting spots. The coveted positions are awarded to the top vote-getter in each league during this phase. However, votes from the first phase do not carry over to the second phase, offering a fresh start for contenders vying for the remaining positions.
The second phase of voting, running from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, will finalize the remaining starters, whose names will be disclosed on June 30. This phase promises to keep fans engaged, as they have the power to influence the rosters to the very last minute. The revelation of pitchers and reserves is slated for July 7, adding yet another layer of excitement leading up to the All-Star Game.
Team Representation in the Second Phase
Several teams are well-represented as voting progresses. The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies each have six players advancing to the second phase, reflecting their roster depth and the support of their fanbases. Meanwhile, individual battles also heat up, such as Kyle Schwarber surpassing Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League, and Ryan O'Hearn inching past Giancarlo Stanton for second among designated hitters in the American League.
Positional Finalists
The competition in the second voting phase provides fans with several intriguing matchups. In the American League, the finalists for the catcher position are Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle contend for the first base position. Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien are the top candidates for second base, and the third base sees a face-off between Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg. The shortstop position is contested by Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr., and the outfield finalists are Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. For designated hitters, Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn remain in the running.
Similarly, in the National League, William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto vie for the catcher spot, Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte compete for second base, and Alec Bohm and Manny Machado are the top choices for third base. The shortstop finalists are Mookie Betts and Trea Turner, while Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich are positioned as outfield finalists. The designated hitter position is a battle between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
As the All-Star Game approaches, the excitement and competitiveness among fans and players alike continue to build. With the second phase of voting currently underway, it remains to be seen who will ultimately secure their spots and shine under the bright lights of Globe Life Field. The stage is set for a thrilling display of baseball’s finest talents, driven by the passionate votes of fans across the globe.