The finalists for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game have been announced, according to MLB Network. Voting for the Midsummer Classic, scheduled for July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, is now open to fans in its second phase.
What happened
Phase 1 results revealed the top vote-getters at each position, with the top two players from each league advancing. The voting results announced on June 27 showed that Ernie Clement of the Blue Jays and Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers secured automatic starting spots in their respective leagues. Clement received 3,232,932 votes, while Ohtani had 3,341,257 votes.[2]
“It’s certainly a bit of a surprise to see Clement here as the AL’s top vote-getter,”
said a representative from MLB. Meanwhile, Ohtani continues to shine as a leading two-way star for the Dodgers, boasting impressive statistics this season.[1]
Phase 2 voting commenced at noon ET on June 30 and will conclude on July 2, allowing fans to vote for the starters they wish to see. Fans can submit their votes through the KONAMI eBaseball MLB All-Star Ballot on MLB.com and the MLB app.
Why it matters
The All-Star Game is a pivotal moment in the baseball season, providing recognition for players at the peak of their performance. The event garners significant attention, impacting players’ legacies and growth within the game. Participation can also influence future contract negotiations and fan engagement.[3]
The ongoing voting process reflects fan involvement in the selection of team rosters, showcasing popular players based on their performances through the first half of the season.
Background
On May 27, 2026, MLB kicked off the voting process with the announcement of initial finalists for the 2026 All-Star Game. The anticipation grew as fans voiced their preferences and cast their votes, highlighting which players they deemed worthy of representing their respective leagues.
Prior to the announcement, on June 25, MLB conducted a review of player stats to determine the leading vote-getters based on performance metrics and fan interest.
What’s next
The results from Phase 2 of voting will be announced on July 4 during a special broadcast on FOX, detailing the final All-Star rosters, including pitchers and reserves.
