All-Star Selections Announced: Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper Lead the Pack
With the 2023 MLB All-Star Game fast approaching, fans have spoken, and the lineups are beginning to take shape. Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have been elected to start in the July 16 showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, highlighting a season marked by impressive performances and fan enthusiasm.
Judge, the New York Yankees’ powerhouse outfielder, garnered an astounding 3,425,309 votes, leading the major leagues in the first round of balloting. This noteworthy achievement marks Judge's sixth American League start over seven All-Star appearances. Despite missing last year's game due to a sprained right big toe, Judge's popularity has not waned. He led the first phase of fan voting last year as well, underscoring his consistent presence and impact in the league.
Harper, a key figure for the Philadelphia Phillies, was not far behind. The celebrated outfielder topped the National League voting and placed second overall in the big leagues with 3,277,920 votes. Harper’s consistent performance has earned him his eighth All-Star Game appearance, with seven as a starter, cementing his status as a fan favorite and a formidable competitor.
Both players’ ability to secure top spots underscores the influence of fan participation in shaping the All-Star Game roster. The first phase of online voting began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday, allowing fans to vote once every 24 hours. The remaining starting positions for each league will be announced on June 30, with pitchers and reserves to be revealed on July 7.
Upcoming Voting Phases
The second phase of voting, which determines the final spots, will run from noon EDT on Sunday until noon EDT on June 30. Notably, votes from the first phase do not carry over to the second, ensuring a fresh start for contenders. Teams with strong showings include the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies, each advancing six players to the next phase.
Among those making significant strides in the voting, Kyle Schwarber overtook Marcell Ozuna for the designated hitter position in the National League. Meanwhile, Ryan O'Hearn moved ahead of Giancarlo Stanton for the same role in the American League. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of the voting process and the fierce competition for every position.
Positions and Finalists
The selection process has already identified finalists for various positions. In the American League, the catcher position has boiled down to Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman. At first base, the battle is between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle. The second base position features a showdown between Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien, while Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg compete for third base. The shortstop spot sees Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. vying for top honors, with outfield positions narrowed to Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker. Designated hitters Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn round out the list of AL finalists.
In the National League, the catcher finalists are William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto. The second base position is contested by Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte, with Alec Bohm and Manny Machado squaring off for third base. Shortstop finalists include Mookie Betts and Trea Turner. Outfield stakes are high with Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich as the contenders. Designated hitters Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber complete the list of NL hopefuls.
Fan Engagement and Anticipation
The MLB All-Star Game continues to captivate fans, who play a pivotal role in electing the starting lineup. The excitement surrounding the voting phases and the reveal of finalists keeps the anticipation and engagement levels high. As the second phase of voting kicks off, fans will once again have the opportunity to impact the final roster and witness their favorite players perform on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
The significance of leading vote-getters like Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper cannot be overstated. Their continued popularity speaks volumes about their talent, performance, and connection with fans. As the announcement dates near, the baseball community eagerly awaits the final lineups, ready to celebrate the sport's elite at this year’s All-Star Game in Texas.