Elite Performers Lead the Pack in All-Star Game Selection
As the baseball season reaches its zenith, fans' anticipation for the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, is palpable. Among those leading the charge are two of Major League Baseball's brightest stars: Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper. Their consistent performances and popularity have once again earned them starting spots in the mid-season classic.
Aaron Judge: A Fan Favorite
Aaron Judge, the towering outfielder for the New York Yankees, garnered an impressive 3,425,309 votes in the first round of balloting, more than any other player in the major leagues. This marks Judge's sixth American League start in seven All-Star Game appearances, a testament to his dominance and fan appeal. Despite missing last year's All-Star Game due to a sprained right big toe, Judge's popularity remains undiminished. He led the fan voting in 2022 as well and has now become one of only eleven players to top the voting on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970.
Bryce Harper: A Resilient Competitor
On the National League side, Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies secured the highest number of votes in his league and the second-most overall, with 3,277,920 votes. This will be Harper's eighth All-Star Game appearance, and he has been selected as a starter in seven of them. Harper's enduring talent and charisma continue to resonate with fans, ensuring his place among baseball's elite.
Voting Process and Key Milestones
The first phase of online voting, which began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday, determined the top vote-getters in each league. Fans were allowed to vote once every 24 hours, and their collective voice has shaped the starting lineups. The remaining starters will be announced on June 30, with pitchers and reserves to be unveiled on July 7. The second phase of voting will run from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, allowing fans another opportunity to influence the final roster. It is crucial to note that votes from the first phase do not carry over to the second phase, making each vote in this phase pivotal.
Standout Teams and Players
The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies have made significant strides, with six players from each team advancing to the second voting phase. Noteworthy battles have emerged in several positions, such as Kyle Schwarber overtaking Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League and Ryan O'Hearn moving ahead of Giancarlo Stanton for second among American League designated hitters.
Key positional finalists have also been announced, highlighting some of the league's fiercest competitors. For the American League catcher position, Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman are the frontrunners. At first base, it’s down to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle. The battle for second base will see Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien vying for votes, while the third base contenders are Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg. Shortstop finalists include Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr., and the outfield positions will be contested by Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. For the designated hitter role, the finalists are Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn.
In the National League, the catcher position will be a choice between William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto. The second base candidates are Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte, while Alec Bohm and Manny Machado will compete for the third base position. The shortstop contenders are Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. The outfield finalists include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber lead the designated hitter category.
Anticipation Builds
As the countdown to the All-Star Game continues, fans eagerly await the final announcements of starters, pitchers, and reserves. The blend of seasoned stars and emerging talents promises a captivating showcase of the best in baseball. With Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper leading the way, the 2023 All-Star Game is set to be a memorable event, celebrating the achievements and popularity of baseball's finest athletes.