Full Breakdown
Blue Jays Surge in Early MLB All-Star Voting, but Outfield Race Remains Tight
6/24/2026, 2:10:28 AM
Early Voting Highlights and Outfield Showdown
MLB’s first voting phase, ending noon ET Thursday, June 25, shows Mariners' Randy Arozarena leading Toronto’s Daulton Varsho by about 11,000 votes for the final outfield spot. The race for the three league outfield starters moves to Phase 2.
MLB All-Star Voting Structure
Phase 1 selects the top two vote-getters in each league as automatic starters. The next six outfielders and two infielders advance to Phase 2, where fans choose the remaining starters. The All-Star Game will be held July 14 in Philadelphia.
Blue Jays Players in the Early Vote
Toronto’s infield dominates early voting. Shortstop Ernie Clement leads the league and is assured a start. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads Nick Kurtz by 700,000 votes. Catcher Alejandro Kirk trails Shea Langeliers by 600,000 votes but stays in Phase 2. Third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, second baseman Andrés Giménez and DH George Springer rank in the top two infield spots. Outfielders Daulton Varsho, Jesús Sánchez and Myles Straw sit just outside the top six, with Varsho narrowly missing the sixth position.
Vote Totals and Margins
- Outfield: Arozarena leads Varsho by ~11,000 votes.
- Catcher: Kirk trails Langeliers by 600,000 votes.
- Shortstop: Clement leads Durán comfortably.
- First base: Guerrero Jr. leads Kurtz by 700,000 votes.
- League leaders: Ohtani and Clement top overall voting.
Official MLB Statements
MLB announced that Shohei Ohtani and Ernie Clement will automatically start the All-Star Game. It also said the top six outfielders from Phase 1 will advance to Phase 2 for fan selection of the final lineup.
Criticism & Opposition: Performance vs Popularity
Analysts note that Alejandro Kirk, with only eight hits this season, still leads fan voting, raising questions about merit-based selection. Observers also suggest Varsho and Sánchez may advance more from fan enthusiasm than on-field performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are MVP candidates galore (and no fewer than four previous MVP winners).” — Zion Trammell, Sports Illustrated writer
- “He hasn't done enough to warrant consideration for the All-Star game.” — Zion Trammell, Sports Illustrated writer
- “| Jaiden Tripi-Imagn Images Ultimately, it's hard to fault a fan base for voting for its players.” — Zion Trammell, Sports Illustrated writer
What's Next
Phase 2 voting begins after June 25, deciding the final starters for the July 14 All-Star Game. Fans will keep shaping the roster while analysts watch whether performance or popularity prevails.
