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New York, June 23 EST: Aaron Judge is going back to the All-Star Game—and he didn’t just make it, he owned it. With 2.7 million votes and counting, the Yankees captain didn’t wait for run-offs or last-minute pushes. He blasted his way into the starting lineup like it was batting practice in July. That’s three starts in four years for Judge, and let’s be honest—it’s a lock that feels more like destiny than democracy.
Across the country, Shohei Ohtani is doing what he does best: bending the sport to his will. Now with 2.5 million votes, Ohtani’s locked in the NL’s top slot, his first as a Dodger. Just think about that. First year in the league, new jersey, same superstardom. He’s the face of the sport, and this All-Star nod? Just another notch in his legend.
But here’s where it gets spicy. The real fire’s not at the top—it’s in the trenches.
Vlad Jr. vs. Goldschmidt: This Is Personal
In the AL first base race, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. just leapfrogged Paul Goldschmidt—barely. Vlad’s sitting at 1.19 million, Goldy just behind at 1.12 million. If this feels like a Toronto vs. New York slugfest in miniature, that’s because it is. Vlad is youth and swagger. Goldschmidt is grit and consistency. Two guys with power in their bones, playing in cities that expect everything and forgive nothing. Both will make the run-off, sure. But someone’s gonna carry the momentum, and right now it’s Vlad.
Outfield Frenzy: Báez Surging, Acuña Charging
Let’s talk outfield chaos. With Judge officially locked, there are just five AL outfield spots left in Phase 2—and it’s getting messy.
Javy Báez, yes that Báez, the magician turned journeyman, has clawed his way into fifth place with 421,342 votes. He’s ahead of Cody Bellinger, who’s had a solid enough campaign, and just behind Steven Kwan, who’s been quietly elite. If Báez makes it through, it’ll be on heart, hustle, and maybe a few highlight reels from Tigers fans who still believe. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about comeback energy.
And don’t sleep on the National League—Ronald Acuña Jr. is knocking. He’s 6th in outfield voting at 596,363 votes, just shy of the top five. You can feel the tension in Atlanta. He started slow, but Braves fans smell blood—and a chance to rally him into the starter tier. With the hometown game on July 15, it would be a crime not to have Acuña in that lineup. He’s electric, he’s climbing, and if MLB wants star power in Atlanta, this is the guy.
Clock’s Ticking, Lines Are Moving
June 26—that’s the Phase 1 deadline. Then we reset. Top two at every position, top six outfielders move on. Run-off voting begins June 30, and that’s when the real battle begins. It’s flash voting. It’s fan wars. It’s the kind of chaos we live for.
This Isn’t Just a Roster—It’s a Statement
The All-Star Game has always been about more than just talent. It’s about pride. About markets showing up for their guys. About legacy and noise and the weird poetry of seeing a Tiger and a Yankee, a Brave and a Dodger, standing side by side.
Judge and Ohtani are locked in. But for everyone else, it’s a race. A sprint. A last gasp. And every vote? Every one’s a swing.
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