All-Star Lineup Set: Judge and Harper Lead the Pack
Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, two of baseball's brightest stars, have secured their starting spots in the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Leading the pack in the first round of balloting, Judge and Harper showcased their undeniable fan appeal and dominant on-field performances.
Judge Dominates Voting
Aaron Judge, the powerhouse outfielder for the New York Yankees, topped the major leagues with an impressive 3,425,309 votes. This will mark his sixth American League start in seven All-Star Games, highlighting his consistent excellence and popularity among fans. Last year, Judge's All-Star appearance was derailed by a sprained right big toe, but his remarkable comeback has reaffirmed his status as one of the game's elite talents. Impressively, Judge has led the first phase of fan voting in consecutive years, becoming the 11th player to do so since fan balloting resumed in 1970.
Harper's Star Continues to Shine
Bryce Harper, the Philadelphia Phillies' outfield sensation, garnered a close second with 3,277,920 votes, securing his eighth All-Star Game appearance and seventh start. Harper's consistent performances have endeared him to the fans, confirming his place among the sport's upper echelons. The voting results solidify the star power that both Harper and Judge bring to the game, setting the stage for a thrilling showcase in Arlington.
The Voting Process
The All-Star starters are chosen through a rigorous two-phase online voting process. The first phase, which began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday, permits fans to cast their votes once every 24 hours. The top vote-getters in each league are awarded starting spots, while the remaining starters will be announced on June 30. The second phase of voting, which runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, does not carry over votes from the first phase.
Teams and Players Advancing
The Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies each have six players advancing to the second phase, reflecting strong seasons for both teams. Notable advancements in specific positions have also caught the attention of baseball enthusiasts. Kyle Schwarber's surge past Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among National League designated hitters and Ryan O'Hearn's leap ahead of Giancarlo Stanton in the American League are particularly noteworthy.
American League Finalists
The competition for starting spots is fierce. In the American League, the finalist catchers are Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman. For first base, the contest is between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle. Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien vie for second base, while Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg battle for the third base position. The shortstop finalists are Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. Meanwhile, the outfield competition sees Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker in the mix. The designated hitter spot will go to either Yordan Alvarez or Ryan O'Hearn.
National League Finalists
In the National League, the catcher position is contested by William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto. Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte are the second base finalists, while Alec Bohm and Manny Machado compete for third base. The shortstop race features Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. For the outfield slots, Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich are in contention. The designated hitter finalists are Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
Pitchers and Reserves to be Named
The anticipation doesn't end with the starters. The pitchers and reserves, who often provide the backbone of the All-Star rosters, will be announced on July 7. These selections will complete the rosters, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable Midsummer Classic.
The stellar performances of Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper throughout the season have rightfully earned them starting positions in the All-Star Game, reflecting their tremendous influence on and off the field. As fan engagement remains at an all-time high, the upcoming game is poised to deliver a spectacular display of baseball talent, with both newcomers and veterans showcasing their skills on one of the sport’s biggest stages.