The calendar has officially turned to July as Major League Baseball’s season has reached its halfway point.
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The trade deadline and postseason push are nearing, but before that, we need to celebrate the league’s best players through the first half of the season.
On Wednesday, MLB announced the league’s All-Star Game starters for the upcoming Midsummer Classic. MLB‘s All-Star Break is from July 15-18, with the All-Star Game taking place on Tuesday, July 16.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper won the popular vote in their respective leagues, giving them automatic bids. Here are the rest of the players confirmed to be joining them in the game.
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Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
American League All-Star Starters
Catcher: Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (second All-Star appearance)
First Base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (fourth All-Star appearance)
Second Base: Jose Altuve, Houston Astros (ninth All-Star appearance)
Shortstop: Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles (first All-Star appearance)
Third Base: Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians (sixth All-Star appearance)
Outfield: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (sixth All-Star appearance)
Outfield: Juan Soto, New York Yankees (fourth All-Star appearance)
Outfield: Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians (first All-Star appearance)
Designated Hitter: Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (third All-Star appearance)
National League All-Star Starters
Catcher: William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers (second All-Star appearance)
First Base: Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (eighth All-Star appearance)
Second Base: Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks (second All-Star appearance)
Shortstop: Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies (third All-Star appearance)
Third Base: Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies (first All-Star appearance)
Outfield: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (third All-Star appearance)
Outfield: Jurickson Profar, San Diego Padres (first All-Star appearance)
Outfield: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (second All-Star appearance)
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (fourth All-Star appearance)
In the AL, the Orioles, Yankees, Guardians, and Astros all have two All-Star representatives thus far. The Blue Jays are the other team with one.
In the NL, the Phillies lead the way with an incredible three All-Stars. The Padres and Brewers are next in line with two each, while the Dodgers and Diamondbacks each have one.
These are just the first 18 All-Stars that have officially been announced. The remaining All-Stars will be announced on Sunday, which includes all the reserves, starting pitchers, and relief pitchers.
This year’s All-Star Game is at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the home of the Rangers.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.