As anticipation builds for the upcoming All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, fans across the nation have cast their votes, resulting in notable selections that have made headlines. Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have been chosen to start in the July 16 showdown, marking significant milestones in their illustrious careers.
Aaron Judge: A Fan Favorite
Aaron Judge, the towering New York Yankees outfielder, garnered an impressive 3,425,309 votes in the first round of balloting, leading the entire major leagues. This overwhelming support underscores his popularity and significant presence on the field. The 2023 All-Star Game will be Judge's sixth American League start in seven appearances, a testament to his enduring excellence and fan appeal.
Unfortunately, Judge missed last year's All-Star Game due to a sprained right big toe, a setback that disappointed many. Despite this, he led the first phase of fan voting in 2022, proving his consistent allure among baseball aficionados. By leading the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970, Judge joins an elite group, becoming the 11th player to achieve this feat.
Bryce Harper: A National League Standout
Bryce Harper, the dynamic Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, secured the top spot in the National League with 3,277,920 votes, placing him second overall in the big leagues. Harper's selection marks his eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven of those as a starter, highlighting his sustained performance and popularity in the sport.
The Voting Process
The selection process for the All-Star Game starts with a first phase of online voting, where fans can vote once every 24 hours. This year's first phase began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday. The highest vote-getter in each league during this phase earns a starting spot, and the results clearly reflect the fans' preferences. Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper emerged as the most beloved players in their respective leagues, receiving the most votes from their followers.
Looking ahead, the remaining starters will be announced on June 30, with pitchers and reserves revealed on July 7. The second phase of voting runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, and it's worth noting that votes from the first phase do not carry over to this next stage.
Teams and Players Advancing
Several teams have strong contingents advancing to the second phase. The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies each have six players moving forward, showcasing their depth of talent. In the National League, Kyle Schwarber has overtaken Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters, while Ryan O'Hearn moved ahead of Giancarlo Stanton for second among designated hitters in the American League.
Position Finalists
The catcher's spot in the American League will be contested by Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman. For first base, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle are the finalists. At second base, Jose Altuve will compete against Marcus Semien, while Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg vie for the third base position. The shortstop contenders are Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr.
In the outfield, the American League has Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker as the finalists. The designated hitter position will see Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn facing off.
For the National League, William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto are the final candidates for catcher. The second base position features Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte, while Alec Bohm and Manny Machado are up for third base. Mookie Betts and Trea Turner are the shortstop finalists. The outfield includes a competitive group: Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich.
Lastly, the designated hitter spot will be decided between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
The fervor of the All-Star voting process and the engagement of the fans in selecting their favorite players undeniably bring a unique excitement to the mid-season classic. As the announcement dates approach, baseball enthusiasts eagerly await the final lineups that will showcase the sport's brightest stars on one grand stage.