The 2023 All-Star Game is shaping up to be an exciting event, with two of baseball's brightest stars, Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, headlining the rosters. Both players have been elected to start in the July 16 game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, based on overwhelming support from fans during the first phase of online voting.
Aaron Judge Leads the Majors
Aaron Judge has once again proven his popularity and skill, leading the major leagues with an impressive 3,425,309 votes. This marks his sixth American League start in seven All-Star Game appearances. The New York Yankees' superstar was unable to participate in last year's All-Star Game due to a sprained right big toe, which certainly makes this year's selection even more meaningful for him and his fans.
This isn't the first time Judge has topped the vote count. He led the first phase of fan voting in 2022 and is now the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970. Such consistent support highlights Judge's enduring appeal and the high regard in which he's held by baseball enthusiasts.
Bryce Harper's Eighth All-Star Appearance
Representing the National League, Bryce Harper secured the most votes with 3,277,920, placing him second overall in the big leagues. This is Harper's eighth All-Star Game appearance, and seven of those have been as a starter, underscoring his significant and continued impact on the sport.
The Voting Process
The first phase of online voting began on June 5 and concluded last Thursday, during which fans could cast their votes once every 24 hours. Starting spots were awarded to the top vote-getters in each league during this phase. The second phase of voting runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, with votes from the first phase not carrying over.
The remaining starters will be announced on June 30, while pitchers and reserves will be revealed on July 7, completing the rosters for both leagues. This second phase of voting will determine additional starting players, ensuring fans continue to engage deeply in the selection process.
Top Contenders Moving to the Second Phase
The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies each have six players advancing to the second phase of voting, showcasing depth in talent and popularity within these franchises.
In terms of notable movements, Kyle Schwarber has overtaken Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League, and Ryan O'Hearn has moved ahead of Giancarlo Stanton for second among designated hitters in the American League.
Finalists by Position
As the voting intensifies, the finalists for various positions in both leagues have been announced:
- American League:
- Catcher: Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman
- First Base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle
- Second Base: Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien
- Third Base: Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg
- Shortstop: Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr.
- Outfield: Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker
- Designated Hitter: Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn
- National League:
- Catcher: William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto
- Second Base: Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte
- Third Base: Alec Bohm and Manny Machado
- Shortstop: Mookie Betts and Trea Turner
- Outfield: Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich
- Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber
Fans eagerly await the final announcements to see if their favorite players will make the cut for this year's All-Star Game.
As the excitement builds, it's clear that Judge and Harper, along with the other top vote-getters, are set to provide an unforgettable game for baseball fans around the world.