In what promises to be a thrilling July evening at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the stars have aligned for baseball's greatest as Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have been elected to start in the All-Star Game on July 16. Judge, who led the major leagues with an astonishing 3,425,309 votes in the first round, further cements his status as a fan favorite. This marks his sixth start for the American League in seven All-Star appearances. Harper, topping the National League and placing second overall with 3,277,920 votes, will make his eighth All-Star appearance, seven of which have been as a starter.
Judge's redemption arc comes full circle this year. After leading the first phase of fan voting in 2022, an unfortunate sprained right big toe kept him from participating in last year's festivities. This year, fans rallied behind him once more, making him the 11th player to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions since fan balloting resumed in 1970.
Harper, on the other hand, continues to be a stalwart in the National League with his unwavering popularity among fans. The voting process, which allowed individuals to cast their ballots once every 24 hours starting from June 5, concluded the first phase last Thursday. It was an electric period of anticipation and excitement for fans and players alike.
The remaining starting positions will be unveiled on June 30, with pitchers and reserves being announced on July 7. The second phase of voting, which runs from noon EDT on Sunday to noon EDT on June 30, does not carry over votes from the first phase, offering a clean slate for fans to galvanize support for their favorites in a more competitive environment.
Representing the spirit of their teams, the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies each have six players advancing to the second phase of voting. In key positional battles, Kyle Schwarber has emerged ahead of Marcell Ozuna for the second spot among designated hitters in the National League, while Ryan O'Hearn has bested Giancarlo Stanton for the equivalent position in the American League. Notable matchups also include Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman vying for the catching position in the American League, and intriguing rivalries at first base between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle, and at second base between Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien.
The breadth of talent is equally impressive in the National League. Catchers William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto are neck and neck, while Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte duel for the second base spot. The third base showdown between Alec Bohm and Manny Machado and the shortstop contest featuring Mookie Betts and Trea Turner are creating waves among fans. Outfield slots will feature a dynamic roster with players like Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich all in the running.
Furthermore, National League fans face a tough decision choosing between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber for the designated hitter position. This intense competition underscores the passion and dedication of baseball enthusiasts as they exercise their voting rights to see their heroes in the spotlight.
The stage is set for a memorable All-Star Game with outstanding talent taking center stage. As players prepare to showcase their skills and fans await the final reveal of the roster, the excitement is palpable. The event not only highlights individual excellence but also showcases the collective enthusiasm and love for baseball. With the star-studded cast ready to deliver unforgettable moments, the 2023 All-Star Game promises an evening that will be remembered for years to come.