What Happened
As of June 16, 2025, Major League Baseball (MLB) released its first update on fan voting for the upcoming All-Star Game, scheduled for July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta. The voting process consists of two phases, with the first phase concluding on June 26. Currently, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge leads all players with 1,568,527 votes in the American League (AL), while Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani leads the National League (NL) with 1,398,771 votes. Both players, if they maintain their leads, will secure automatic starting positions for their respective leagues.
The voting system allows fans to vote for their favorite players, with the top vote-getter in each league bypassing the next phase of voting. The remaining players will enter a second phase, where fans will vote among finalists at each position. This year’s voting has seen significant engagement, with fans able to vote multiple times within a 24-hour period through MLB.com and various team websites.
Key Details
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Voting Timeline: The first phase of voting ends on June 26, 2025, at noon ET. The second phase will run from June 30 to July 2, with the All-Star Game starters announced on July 2 and the complete rosters revealed on July 6.
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Current Vote Leaders:
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American League:
- Outfield: Aaron Judge (Yankees) - 1,568,527 votes
- Catcher: Cal Raleigh (Mariners) - 1,043,168 votes
- First Base: Paul Goldschmidt (Yankees) - 667,258 votes
- Second Base: Gleyber Torres (Tigers) - 535,079 votes
- Third Base: José Ramírez (Guardians) - 968,754 votes
- Designated Hitter: Ryan O’Hearn (Orioles) - 353,029 votes
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National League:
- Outfield: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) - 1,398,771 votes
- Catcher: Will Smith (Dodgers) - 1,124,629 votes
- First Base: Freddie Freeman (Dodgers) - 1,136,389 votes
- Second Base: Ketel Marte (D-backs) - 850,572 votes
- Third Base: Manny Machado (Padres) - 955,122 votes
- Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) - 1,398,771 votes
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Voting Mechanics: Fans can vote up to five times every 24 hours. The top two vote-getters at each position and the top six outfielders will advance to the second phase.
Multiple Perspectives
The current voting trends highlight the popularity of both Judge and Ohtani, who are not only leading in votes but are also considered among the best players in the league. Judge’s performance, including a batting average of .378 and 26 home runs, has garnered significant fan support, making him a strong candidate for a repeat as the top vote-getter, a feat not achieved since Alex Rodriguez in 2008.
On the other hand, Ohtani’s dual-threat capability as a pitcher and hitter continues to captivate fans, contributing to his substantial vote count. Some analysts argue that Ohtani’s unique skill set enhances his appeal, making him a standout in the voting process. However, there are discussions about the competitive nature of the NL outfield, which features several strong candidates, including Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, who are also performing well this season.
Context & Background
The MLB All-Star Game is a significant event in the baseball calendar, celebrating the league’s top talent and providing fans with an opportunity to engage with the sport. The voting process has evolved over the years, with fan participation being a key element in determining the All-Star rosters. The current voting format, which includes multiple phases, is designed to increase fan engagement and ensure that the most popular players are recognized.
The All-Star Game also serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills on a national stage, potentially impacting their marketability and career trajectories. For franchises, having players selected as All-Stars can enhance their reputation and attract fan interest.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the current voting results provide a snapshot of fan preferences, several uncertainties remain. The final vote totals will depend on fan engagement in the coming days, particularly as the first phase concludes. Additionally, the impact of social media campaigns and promotional efforts by teams and players could influence the final outcomes.
Furthermore, the performance of players in the weeks leading up to the All-Star Game may affect their standings. Injuries, slumps, or standout performances can shift the dynamics of the voting landscape. As such, it is essential to monitor the ongoing developments as the voting period progresses.
In summary, the MLB All-Star voting process is currently underway, with notable players like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani leading the charge. The outcome will not only reflect fan preferences but also shape the narrative around the All-Star Game and its participants.
