The 2025 MLB All-Star Game is already making headlines as two of baseball’s biggest names — Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees — have officially locked in their places as starters after leading all vote-getters in Phase 1 of fan balloting.
With millions of votes cast, fans across the country have spoken loudly and clearly: the sport’s biggest stars are exactly who they want to see in the national spotlight.
Ohtani and Judge: Fan Favorites Once Again
Aaron Judge led all players in votes, earning over 4 million to secure his fourth consecutive All-Star start and seventh overall. His dominant offensive performance this season — including a batting average over .360, 28 home runs, and an OPS over 1.180 — left little doubt about his place in the American League lineup.
Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani topped the National League with nearly 4 million votes as well, making him the first designated hitter in history to start five consecutive All-Star Games. His historic two-way play continues to captivate fans and elevate the sport globally.
“We’re witnessing something truly unprecedented,” one MLB commentator said. “Ohtani isn’t just popular—he’s a phenomenon.”
How the All-Star Voting Works
Under MLB’s current voting structure, Phase 1 determines the top two vote-getters at each position (excluding those who earn automatic starting spots by leading their league, like Judge and Ohtani). These top candidates now advance to Phase 2, which will run from June 30 to July 3, with fans voting again to finalize starters at each position.
The full All-Star rosters — including pitchers and reserves — will be announced on Sunday, July 7. The game itself will be held on Tuesday, July 16 at Truist Park in Atlanta, home of the Braves.
Spotlight on MLB’s Global Icons
The selection of Judge and Ohtani underscores not only their on-field performance but their overwhelming appeal. Judge continues to lead the Yankees through a competitive AL East campaign, while Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers has been one of the most closely followed stories of the 2025 season.
Their inclusion virtually guarantees a blockbuster level of fan engagement for this year’s Midsummer Classic, which continues to evolve as both a celebration of talent and a stage for the league’s most marketable names.
June 30–July 3: Final phase of All-Star voting (positions still undecided)
July 7: Announcement of full rosters (including pitchers & reserves)
July 16: 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park, Atlanta
With Ohtani and Judge already confirmed, the All-Star Game is shaping up to be another memorable clash of baseball’s best. Their popularity reflects not only elite skill, but the powerful connection they’ve built with fans. And with more voting still to come, baseball’s biggest names are only just beginning to take the stage.