The Major League Baseball (MLB) fan voting results have set the stage for the highly anticipated All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on July 16. Leading the charge with their fifth and fourth starting nods respectively are New York Yankees' slugger Aaron Judge and Philadelphia Phillies' powerhouse Bryce Harper.
Aaron Judge: A Fan Favorite
Aaron Judge has once again captured the hearts of baseball fans, securing a staggering 3,425,309 votes in the first round of balloting. This accomplishment not only lands him a starting position in the All-Star Game for the sixth time in seven years but also cements his place as a perennial favorite. Despite missing the previous year's festivities due to a sprained right big toe, Judge shows no signs of losing his charm.
Judge's ability to consistently lead the first phase of fan voting, as he did in both 2022 and this year, speaks volumes about his popularity and performance on the diamond. He now joins an elite group as the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970. Clearly, Judge's impact on the field resonates deeply with the MLB fan base.
Bryce Harper: A Constant Presence
Not far behind Judge in the voting tally, Bryce Harper amassed 3,277,920 votes, making him the top vote-getter in the National League and second overall. Harper will make his eighth appearance in the All-Star Game, seven of which he has started, underlining his sustained excellence and magnetic draw for fans.
This robust show of support from the fans highlights Harper’s remarkable consistency and influence in the game. Both Harper and Judge’s formidable vote counts underscore their positions as not just leaders on their teams but also as fan favorites across the league.
Fan Voting Process and Phases
Fan engagement has become a cornerstone of the MLB All-Star selection process, with fans awarded the power to vote once every 24 hours. The first phase of online voting began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday. The leading vote-getters in each league during this phase earn starting spots in the All-Star Game. However, for remaining positions, the process continues with a second phase of voting, running from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30. It's worth noting that the votes garnered in the first phase do not carry over to this second phase.
The stakes remain high as each ballot can influence the final roster, with pitchers and reserve players being revealed on July 7. For teams with notable performances this season, such as the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies—each advancing six players to the second phase—the competition is particularly fierce.
Position Battle Highlights
The shifting dynamics of positions also add to the excitement. Kyle Schwarber’s late push overtook Marcell Ozuna for the second designated hitter spot in the National League, while Ryan O'Hearn surged past Giancarlo Stanton in the American League. These changes reflect the ebb and flow of player performances and fan preferences.
As for individual positional battles, in the American League, we see head-to-head matchups for starting roles such as Salvador Perez vs. Adley Rutschman for catcher, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. Ryan Mountcastle for first base. Similarly, fans will decide between Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien at second base, Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg at third base, and Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop. Outfield slots and the designated hitter position also have their own intense contests with Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker fighting for supremacy, alongside Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn vying for the DH spot.
In the National League, the competition is equally compelling. William Contreras faces J.T. Realmuto for the catcher position, while Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte duel at second base. Third base sees Alec Bohm go up against Manny Machado, and at shortstop, fans have to choose between Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. The multiple outfield hopefuls include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. Lastly, the designated hitter position pits two heavyweights: Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
As the second phase of voting unfolds and the final roster announcements draw nearer, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. With fans eagerly awaiting the results, the 2023 MLB All-Star Game promises to be a spectacular showcase of baseball's best, driven by the voices and votes of its dedicated followers.