First All-Star Voting Update Released: Results, Close Races, and Surprises
Courtesy of Ronald Martinez (Getty Images)
The first wave of voting has been released for the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. Leading the American League in votes is Shohei Ohtani and it is Ronald Acuna Jr. leading the way for the National League.
The American League (AL) starters would currently consist of:
1B- Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Toronto Blue Jays
2B- Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers
3B- Matt Chapman, Toronto Blue Jays
SS- Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays
OF- Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
OF- Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
OF- Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros
C- Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles
DH- Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels
With the voting still open until June 29th, this lineup could very well change. Tampa Bay’s Yandy Diaz is closing in on Guerrero Jr. for the start at first base. Only 5,000 votes separate Matt Chapman and Texas Ranger Josh Jung. Another Tampa Bay Ray in Randy Arozarena is on the cusp of starting the big game, just behind both Alvarez and Trout.
It comes as a surprise to see Boston’s Rafael Devers 250,000 votes away from the starting job at third. Devers is fourth in the AL for home runs at 15 and third in runs batted in with 52. Another surprise is Texas’ Adolis Garcia only being in sixth for the outfield voting. Garcia is having a monster season for the Rangers, also with 15 home runs and second in the AL with 54 runs batted in.
The National League (NL) starters would currently consist of:
1B- Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
2B- Luis Arraez, Miami Marlins
3B- Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardnials
SS- Orlando Arcia, Atlanta Braves
OF- Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves
OF- Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
OF- Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Arizona Dimondbacks
C- Sean Murphy, Atlanta Braves
DH- J.D. Martinez, Los Angeles Dodgers
Although Arenado is currently in the lead to start at third, Atlanta’s Austin Riley and Los Angeles’ Max Muncy are both within shouting distance. San Diego’s Juan Soto is right behind Gurriel Jr. for that final starting spot in the outfield. Keep an eye on the DH race as well. Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper is right there with Martinez for that spot in the starting lineup.
The biggest surprise in the NL is Arizona’s rookie sensation Corbin Carroll being over 130,000 votes away from a starting role in the outfield. Carroll is fifth in the NL in batting average at .313. He also has 19 stolen bases this season, second in the National League.
Once again, voting doesn’t close until June 29th and there are some tight races at the moment. Don’t be surprised if these lineups look a little different when the next wave of voting results is released.
