Judge and Ohtani Named Top Vote-Getters for All-Star Game

The MLB All-Star Game always feels like a highlight of summer. It’s where the league’s biggest names gather for a night that puts baseball’s best on full display.

Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have done it again—fans just can’t get enough of them. Both locked in their spots as starters for the July 15 game at Atlanta’s Truist Park.

Judge, repping the New York Yankees, led everyone in votes. Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way phenom, finished first in National League voting.

Let’s dig into how voting works, take a quick look at their records, and see who else could join them on the field.

The Star Power of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani

It’s tough to find players who connect with fans the way Judge and Ohtani do. Judge pulled in a wild 4,012,983 votes and will start his seventh All-Star Game—pretty wild when you realize he’s only missed one in his eight-year career.

He sat out last year’s game with an injury, but fans didn’t forget about him. He’s still the heart of the Yankees’ lineup and a consistent fan favorite.

Ohtani keeps pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the majors. With 3,967,668 votes, he came out on top in the National League and made history as the first designated hitter to start five straight All-Star Games.

Watching him dominate both at the plate and on the mound? It’s honestly something you don’t see every day.

A Look at the Voting System

Fans actually have a huge say in who starts the All-Star Game. MLB tweaked the rules in 2022, locking in starting spots for the top vote-getters in each league right from the first round.

This year, fans had from June 4 to June 29 to vote online whenever they wanted.

Key details of the voting system:

• Initial Voting Phase: Fans choose players at every position. The top vote-getter in each league gets an automatic starting spot.
• Second Voting Phase: The other position finalists move on, votes reset, and fans can vote again every 24 hours.
• Final Announcements: MLB will reveal the rest of the starting lineup on July 2. Pitchers and reserves get announced July 6.

Position Finalists: Who’s Still in the Race?

With the next phase of voting underway, it’s worth checking out which American League and National League players are still in the running. The competition is stacked—some familiar faces, some newcomers itching for a shot.

American League Finalists

Here are some of the top American League candidates:

• Catcher: Alejandro Kirk and Cal Raleigh
• First Base: Paul Goldschmidt and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Other Positions: There’s a crowded field at second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has really turned heads for the Blue Jays and should make first base interesting. Kirk and Raleigh are also putting up a real fight at catcher.

National League Finalists

And in the National League, the finalists include:

• Catcher: Carson Kelly and Will Smith
• First Base: Pete Alonso and Freddie Freeman
• Other Positions: Plenty of other names hoping to grab a spot across the diamond.

Freddie Freeman just keeps hitting for the Dodgers, so he’s got a good shot at first base. Will Smith is another name that stands out among catchers—definitely someone to keep an eye on.

Fan Engagement and MLB’s Continued Growth

This year’s fan voting process really shows off how much people love baseball’s biggest stars. The league keeps finding ways to pull in even more engaged fans.

Judge and Ohtani racked up huge vote totals. Their appeal stretches far beyond their own teams—they’ve become favorites across the whole MLB community.

Atlanta’s Truist Park will host one of the wildest crowds of the year on July 15. You’ll see superstars, breakout players, and some celebrated veterans all sharing the stage.

The All-Star Game isn’t just a spectacle. It’s a nod to the energy and loyalty of fans everywhere, who shape the event with their votes.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Judge, Ohtani elected to start in All-Star Game as top vote-getters