Stars Aligned: Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper Headline All-Star Game Lineup
The baseball world is set to witness two of its brightest stars, Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, shining at the All-Star Game on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Both players have been elected to start, and their presence is sure to electrify the atmosphere.
Aaron Judge's Dominance in AL Voting
Aaron Judge, the powerhouse outfielder for the New York Yankees, led all major leaguers in the first round of balloting with a staggering 3,425,309 votes. This marks Judge's sixth start in seven All-Star Game appearances, a testament to his consistent performance and immense popularity among fans.
Judge's journey to this year's All-Star Game comes with a sense of redemption. Last year, he was unable to participate due to a sprained right big toe, a setback that left many fans disappointed. However, he once again led the first phase of fan voting, demonstrating his unwavering support among the baseball community.
Notably, Judge has become the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970. This achievement solidifies his status as one of the game's premier talents and a fan favorite.
Bryce Harper's Eighth All-Star Nod
Bryce Harper, the Philadelphia Phillies' star outfielder, will make his eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven of those as a starter. Harper garnered the top spot in the National League with 3,277,920 votes, placing second overall in the big leagues, just behind Judge.
Harper's consistent performance and charisma on the field have earned him a dedicated fan base, making his frequent All-Star selections no surprise. His presence in the starting lineup is sure to add excitement to the midsummer classic.
The Voting Process
Starting spots for the All-Star Game are awarded to the top vote-getters in each league during the first phase of online voting. This phase began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday, with fans having the opportunity to vote once every 24 hours.
The remaining starters will be announced on June 30, followed by the revelation of pitchers and reserves on July 7. The second phase of voting, which runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, will determine the final starters for each position. Notably, votes from the first phase do not carry over to the second phase, ensuring a fresh round of fan engagement and excitement.
Teams with Multiple Contenders
The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies have each seen six players advance to the second phase of voting, showcasing the depth of talent on their rosters. This strong representation raises the stakes for both teams as their players vie for coveted starting spots.
Among the notable developments in the second phase, Kyle Schwarber overtook Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League, while Ryan O'Hearn moved ahead of Giancarlo Stanton for the second spot in the American League.
Position-by-Position Showdowns
The competition for starting spots is fierce, with several key matchups to watch in the coming days.
- For American League catcher, the finalists are Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman.
- At first base, it's a showdown between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle.
- Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien are the contenders for second base.
- Third base sees Jose Ramirez up against Jordan Westburg.
- Shortstop finalists are Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr.
- The outfield positions feature Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker.
- For designated hitter, Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn are the finalists.
In the National League, the competition is just as intense:
- Catchers William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto are vying for the starting spot.
- Second base finalists are Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte.
- Alec Bohm and Manny Machado are the contenders for third base.
- Shortstop sees Mookie Betts up against Trea Turner.
- Outfield positions feature Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich.
- The designated hitter spot will be decided between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
As the second phase of voting draws to a close, fans eagerly await the announcement of the final starters, ready to see their favorite players take the field. With stars like Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper leading the charge, this year's All-Star Game promises to be a memorable showcase of baseball's best talent.