The 2026 MLB All-Star Game voting is heating up, and with just two days left, the race to determine the starting lineups is as intense as ever. The finalists at each position in the National League and American League are vying to join the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and the Blue Jays' Ernie Clement in the starting lineups for this year's Midsummer Classic on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. But who will make the cut? Let's dive into the latest updates and explore the fascinating dynamics at play.
The American League
First Base
The battle for the first base spot in the American League is intense. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays currently holds a slight edge over Ben Rice of the Yankees, with 55% of the vote compared to Rice's 45%. While Rice has a 221-point OPS advantage over Guerrero this season, the Blue Jays first baseman currently has the edge in All-Star voting. This would be Guerrero's sixth straight All-Star selection and fifth career starting nod. It's a testament to Guerrero's consistent excellence, and his ability to perform under pressure.
Shortstop
At shortstop, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals is inching closer to becoming the first shortstop in the team's history to start the All-Star Game. Witt has a commanding 72% of the vote, but he lost the Phase 2 vote in each of the past two years. If his lead over Andrés Giménez of the Blue Jays holds up, Witt would become the third Royals shortstop to start the Midsummer Classic, joining Freddie Patek (1978) and Alcides Escobar (2015). It's a fascinating story of resilience and determination, and Witt's journey to the All-Star Game is one that many fans will be following closely.
Third Base
At third base, Junior Caminero of the Rays is on the cusp of ending a lengthy drought for the team. Caminero has a 67% lead over Kazuma Okamoto of the Blue Jays, and if he maintains his lead, he'll become the first Rays player to start multiple All-Star Games. The 22-year-old slugger has been on fire, homering seven times in his past six games. It's a testament to his talent and potential, and his journey to the All-Star Game is one that many young players will be looking to emulate.
Outfield
In the outfield, the race is wide open. Mike Trout of the Angels, Byron Buxton of the Twins, Aaron Judge of the Yankees, Cody Bellinger of the Yankees, Jesús Sánchez of the Blue Jays, and Daulton Varsho of the Blue Jays are all in the mix. Trout, who leads all active players with 11 All-Star selections, is hoping to return to the All-Star Game after landing on the IL with a right hamstring strain. Judge, who is currently on the IL, hasn't stopped fans from voting for him. If Buxton remains in the top three, he'd join Torii Hunter (2022) as the only Twins outfielders to win the fan vote since Kirby Puckett retired. It's a fascinating story of resilience and determination, and the competition in the outfield is as intense as ever.
Catcher
At catcher, Shea Langeliers of the Athletics is on the cusp of ending a 37-year drought for the team. Langeliers has a significant lead over Alejandro Kirk of the Blue Jays, and if he maintains his lead, he'll become the first A's catcher to start the All-Star Game since Terry Steinbach in 1989. It's a testament to Langeliers' talent and potential, and his journey to the All-Star Game is one that many young catchers will be looking to emulate.
Designated Hitter
At designated hitter, Yordan Alvarez of the Astros is vying for his second All-Star starting nod and fourth selection overall. Alvarez came about 300,000 votes shy of earning an automatic starting bid in Phase 1, but that may have merely delayed the inevitable for MLB's OPS leader (1.031). It's a fascinating story of resilience and determination, and Alvarez's journey to the All-Star Game is one that many fans will be following closely.
The National League
First Base
At first base, Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers is on track to maintain his streak of appearing in every MLB All-Star Game from 2018-25. Freeman has a 59% lead over Matt Olson of the Braves, and if he maintains his lead, he'll mark the 10th All-Star selection and sixth start of his career. It's a testament to Freeman's consistent excellence, and his ability to perform under pressure.
Second Base
At second base, Ozzie Albies of the Braves is seeking his first starting nod. Albies has a 62% lead over Bryson Stott of the Phillies, and if he maintains his lead, he'll become the first Braves second baseman to start the All-Star Game since 2016. It's a fascinating story of resilience and determination, and Albies' journey to the All-Star Game is one that many fans will be following closely.
Shortstop
At shortstop, CJ Abrams of the Nationals is inching closer toward becoming the first shortstop in the team's history to start the All-Star Game. Abrams has a 57% lead over Mookie Betts of the Dodgers, who has surged in his past 15 games. It's a fascinating story of resilience and determination, and Abrams' journey to the All-Star Game is one that many fans will be following closely.
Third Base
At third base, Max Muncy of the Dodgers is on the verge of ending a lengthy drought for the team. Muncy has a 60% lead over Alec Bohm of the Phillies, and if he maintains his lead, he'll become the first Dodgers third baseman to start the All-Star Game since Ron Cey in 1977. It's a testament to Muncy's talent and potential, and his journey to the All-Star Game is one that many young players will be looking to emulate.
Outfield
In the outfield, the race is wide open. Brandon Marsh of the Phillies, Juan Soto of the Mets, Michael Harris II of the Braves, Andy Pages of the Dodgers, Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves, and Teoscar Hernández of the Dodgers are all in the mix. Marsh leads all NL outfielders in Phase 2 voting as he tries to nail down his first All-Star selection amid a career year. It's a fascinating story of resilience and determination, and the competition in the outfield is as intense as ever.
Catcher
At catcher, Drake Baldwin of the Braves is on the cusp of becoming the first Braves catcher to start the All-Star Game since 2003. Baldwin has a 61% lead over Will Smith of the Dodgers, who has been on the IL with a neck injury since June 11. It's a fascinating story of resilience and determination, and Baldwin's journey to the All-Star Game is one that many young catchers will be following closely.
In my opinion, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game voting is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory. With just two days left, the race to determine the starting lineups is as intense as ever, and the competition is as fierce as it gets. It's a testament to the talent and determination of the players involved, and it's a privilege to witness such an exciting and unpredictable event. So, who will make the cut? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2026 MLB All-Star Game is shaping up to be one for the ages.
