The MLB All-Star Game, also known as the Midsummer Classic, will take place on July 15. This is the 95th All-Star Game that will feature all-stars from the American League (AL) and the National League (NL).
Where the game takes place
The venue for the All-Star game changes every year, and this year it will take place at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
The game still gets plenty of attention, although it’s a friendly fixture. It is broadcast on the Fox network, and fans can also stream it live on MLB.TV. With legal online sports betting in many states, fans can place bets on the All-Star game, such as moneyline, runline spreads, and total runs. They can benefit from the long odds and the diverse variety of betting markets.
The two-phase ballot system
The first phase of the two-phase ballot system runs from June 4 to 26. In the first phase, fans can vote for nine players in the American League and eight players in the National League. After this, the vote for the starters begins on June 30 and ends on July 3. When the voting period ends, the winners are announced on social media.
The 32 top stars, including 12 pitchers and 20 position players from the AL and NL, face each other in the All-Star game. Coaches who competed in the World Series in the previous year manage the teams. They make sure the players train like champions. The best players on the AL and NL teams win the coveted All-Star Game MVP Award.
Early frontrunners
Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are currently leading their respective leagues after the first returns. Ohtani is getting a high number of votes from Dodgers fans, but players like Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernández are also popular.
Other storylines to watch
Deciding on the NL starting outfield
This could be a tough call because it’s packed with star power. Crow-Armstrong is a strong contender, but there’s also Kyle Tucker, James Wood, and Corbin Carroll. The list goes on and on.
How will the Tigers fare in the voting?
First and second basemen Spencer Torkelson and Gleyber Torres are strong contenders to win the fan vote, as are outfielders Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter. But the Tigers’ best chance to end their drought may come from reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. Other frontrunners for AL pitcher include Max Fried and Garrett Crochet.
Will Lindor make it this time?
Francisco Lindor is trending strongly in NL shortstop voting. This could potentially end his long absence from the All-Star lineup. Lindor earned MVP votes in three seasons and finished second in 2024, but he didn’t earn an All-Star selection.
Could Raleigh make Mariners history?
Cal Raleigh (SEA) is having a standout season and could make history as the first Mariners catcher to start.
Will Bobby Witt get his first starting nod?
Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles won the vote to start in 2024, but Bobby Witt Jr. is having a great year. He is outperforming Henderson, but that doesn’t mean he’s necessarily a lock to earn his first All-Star start. Another AL shortstop could win the fan vote. The Astros’ Jeremy Peña and Jacob Wilson of Athletics are other contenders.
Could the Cardinals end a 39-year drought?
Second baseman Brendan Donovan has a good chance of winning the fan vote this year. This could end the lengthy drought for the Cardinals.
Watch the Phase 2 fan vote on the MLB calendar to see the final starters and tune in on July 15 to watch the game.
