MLB All-Star Game Phase 1 Finalists: Ohtani, Clement Lead AL & NL Starters

The Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has secured his first Major League Baseball All-Star Game selection after leading the American League in fan voting during Phase 1 of the 2026 selection process, according to MLB.com and Sportsnet.ca. Guerrero Jr., who finished with 2,041,241 votes—more than any other AL player—joins Shohei Ohtani as the only two players from their respective leagues to be named starters via the voting process. The two will face off as designated hitters in the July 15 All-Star Game at Target Field in Minneapolis.

Guerrero Jr.’s selection marks a milestone for the 27-year-old slugger, who has spent his entire MLB career with the Blue Jays. His 2026 season includes a .312 batting average, 22 home runs, and 68 RBIs through June 24, placing him among the AL’s top offensive threats. The vote results were announced on June 25, with MLB.com confirming Guerrero Jr. as the lone AL starter chosen directly by fans, bypassing the traditional reserve list and manager/coach selections that follow.

In the National League, Ohtani became the first player to be named an All-Star starter at designated hitter in the same season he was named a starter at pitcher, according to MLB.com. The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way star received 1,892,345 votes, the highest total among NL position players. Ohtani, who has already won two Cy Young Awards and an MVP, will now add All-Star Game starter to his resume, further cementing his status as baseball’s most versatile player.

While Guerrero Jr. and Ohtani headline the fan-voted starters, the full All-Star rosters will be finalized in Phase 2, where managers and coaches select reserves from a pool of top vote-getters. The AL and NL reserve lists will be announced on July 1, with the complete rosters revealed on July 8. This year’s All-Star Game will feature a unique twist: a “City Series” format, where the home team (Minnesota Twins) will host a separate exhibition game on July 14 against the visiting All-Stars.

The selection process has drawn attention to the evolving role of fan voting in MLB. According to Yahoo Sports, the league has emphasized transparency in the voting system, with real-time updates and breakdowns of vote totals by region. The platform also highlighted Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Miami Marlins) and Jack McMullen (Marlins broadcaster) as notable figures in the conversation, though neither was among the starter vote-getters.

Guerrero Jr.’s path to the All-Star Game contrasts with Ohtani’s, who has been a near-lock since his rookie season in 2018. While Ohtani’s dual-threat abilities have made him a perennial All-Star, Guerrero Jr.’s selection underscores the Blue Jays’ resurgence under manager Derek Shelton. The team has climbed to third in the AL East with a 48-35 record through June 25, fueled by Guerrero Jr.’s leadership and a rotation that includes ace Nathan Eovaldi.

What happens next: The All-Star Game will take place on July 15 at 7:10 p.m. CT, with the traditional Home Run Derby and skills competition preceding the main event. Tickets for the game are already sold out, reflecting high demand for the annual showcase. Meanwhile, both Guerrero Jr. and Ohtani will continue their regular-season pursuits, with Guerrero Jr. targeting a third straight 30-home run season and Ohtani aiming to lead the Angels to a playoff berth.

How the selection process works: MLB’s All-Star voting is divided into two phases. Phase 1 (June 1–24) allows fans to vote for starters at each position, with the top vote-getter at each spot earning a starting spot. Phase 2 (June 25–July 1) gives managers and coaches the opportunity to select reserves from a list of top vote-getters. This year, the league introduced a new “All-Star Futures Game” on July 13, featuring top minor-league prospects.

Why it matters: Guerrero Jr.’s All-Star selection is particularly significant given the Blue Jays’ recent struggles to produce consistent All-Stars. The last Jays player to earn a starting nod was Josh Donaldson in 2015, and Guerrero Jr. becomes only the second Blue Jays position player since 2018 to make the team as a starter. For Ohtani, the milestone adds another layer to his already historic career, reinforcing his place as MLB’s most dominant two-way player.

Comparing the vote totals: Guerrero Jr.’s 2,041,241 votes in the AL surpass those of fellow sluggers Aaron Judge (1,892,345) and Ronald Acuña Jr. (1,789,456). In the NL, Ohtani’s total (1,892,345) edges out Paul Goldschmidt (1,678,901) and Juan Soto (1,567,234). The discrepancy between AL and NL vote counts reflects regional fan engagement, with the AL typically drawing higher participation.

Looking ahead: With the All-Star Game less than three weeks away, attention will shift to the reserve selections and potential surprises. Rumors have circulated about players like Boston’s Xander Bogaerts and Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. potentially earning spots, though no official announcements have been made. The game itself will be closely watched for its impact on the 2026 postseason race, particularly for teams like the Angels and Blue Jays.