Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper Lead All-Star Voting for July Classic
In a display of immense fan support and undeniable talent, Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have been elected to start in the 2023 All-Star Game, set for July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Their election cements their positions as beloved figures in baseball, with both players garnering millions of votes in the first round of balloting.
Dominating the Vote
Aaron Judge, the towering right fielder for the New York Yankees, led all major league players with an astounding 3,425,309 votes. This marks Judge's sixth start in seven All-Star Games, demonstrating his sustained excellence and popularity. Notably, Judge missed last year's All-Star Game due to a sprained right big toe, despite leading the first phase of fan voting in 2022. His return this year was met with overwhelming support, making him the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970.
Over in the National League, Bryce Harper continues to prove his star power. The Philadelphia Phillies outfielder topped the National League with 3,277,920 votes, placing second overall in the majors. This will be Harper's eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven of those as a starter. His consistent presence in the lineup underscores his status as a fan favorite and an elite player.
Details of the Voting Process
The initial phase of online voting commenced on June 5 and concluded last Thursday, offering fans the opportunity to vote once every 24 hours. The top vote-getter in each league during this phase secures a starting spot in the All-Star Game. This first phase did not carry votes into the second phase, which began at noon EDT on Sunday and will run until noon EDT on June 30.
The upcoming second phase will determine the remaining starters, with those results to be announced on June 30. Pitchers and reserves will be revealed on July 7, finalizing the rosters for the mid-summer classic.
Notable Contenders and Team Representation
This year, the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies each have six players advancing to the second phase of voting, highlighting the depth of talent in both organizations. Among the intriguing developments, Kyle Schwarber leaped ahead of Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League. Similarly, Ryan O’Hearn surged past Giancarlo Stanton for the second spot in the American League designated hitter category.
The finalists announced for various positions reflect a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. For the catcher position in the American League, Salvador Perez will compete against Adley Rutschman, while the first base finalists are Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle. At second base, it's Jose Altuve versus Marcus Semien, and the third base finalists are Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg. Shortstop contenders are Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr.
Outfield positions see Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker vying for starting roles. The designated hitter race in the American League features Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O’Hearn.
Over in the National League, the catcher position finalists are William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto. Second base candidates are Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte, while Alec Bohm and Manny Machado battle for the starting spot at third base. Shortstop finalists are Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. The outfield candidates include Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. In the designated hitter category, Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber stand as the top choices.
Anticipation Builds for Final Rosters
As the All-Star Game approaches, anticipation builds around which players will ultimately earn starting spots and how the final rosters will shape up. The first phase of voting has already set a high bar, with Judge and Harper leading the pack. Fans eagerly await the results of the second phase, ready to see their favorite stars shine on one of baseball's biggest stages.