Full Breakdown
2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia: Voting, Lineups, Phillies Outlook
7/3/2026, 9:22:53 PM
Voting Process and Phase Results
MLB’s All-Star voting uses two phases. Phase 1 selects the top two vote-getters per position; those advance to Phase 2, where fans choose the final starters. The Phase 1 leader in each league automatically starts—Shohei Ohtani (NL) and Ernie Clement (AL). The commissioner's office later adds six players per league to ensure every team is represented.
Predicted Starting Lineups
CBS Sports projects the AL starters as Cam Schlittler (Yankees) on the mound, Ernie Clement at second base, and an outfield of Byron Buxton (Twins), Aaron Judge (Yankees) and Mike Trout (Angels). The NL forecast lists Cristopher Sanchez (Phillies) as starter, Shohei Ohtani as DH, and an outfield of Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves), Brandon Marsh (Phillies) and Andy Pages (Dodgers).
Key Contenders and Statistics
Cam Schlittler posts a 2.08 ERA and .96 WHIP. Cristopher Sanchez leads the NL with a 2.00 ERA, 136 strikeouts and 117 innings. Brandon Marsh hits .319 with 15 homers, 46 RBIs and six steals. Kyle Schwarber tops MLB with 30 homers and a .935 OPS. Zack Wheeler posts an 8-1 record with a 2.36 ERA, while closer Jhoan Duran has 21 saves and a 1.52 ERA.
Phillies Representation: Candidates and Snubs
Philadelphia, as host, is assured at least one NL representative. Phase 2 shows Marsh leading all outfielders, making him the likely starter. Schwarber’s league-leading power makes him a strong reserve, while Harper’s 20 homers and .908 OPS keep him in contention despite his conditional stance on the Home Run Derby.
Official Rules and Commissioner Selections
The voting rules guarantee the Phase 1 leader in each league a starting spot, and the commissioner adds six players per league to ensure every franchise appears on the roster.
Criticism of Fan Voting and Ballot Structure
Analysts note that Blue Jays fans heavily ballot-stuffed Phase 1, prompting backlash from other fan bases. The ballot’s order also places catcher after infield positions, a recurring grievance.
Verbatim Quote
"I'm still not sure," Harper said. "I want to be healthy. Obviously, I'm going to play every game in the first half. I haven't done that for a long time. Last time, I did (the HR derby), I won (in 2018 with the Nationals), and I said I'd never do it again. "We'll see how I'm feeling ... Obviously, I know the fans want me to do it, so I'll take that into account. But we'll see how much oomph I have behind me going out there and doing it."
Conflicting Reports and Uncertainties
CBS Sports’ projections assume fan-vote trends will hold, but Phase 2 outcomes could shift, especially where Blue Jays support meets backlash. MLB has not confirmed Harper’s roster status.
What’s Next
MLB will announce the official starters and reserves on July 4. The All-Star Game takes place July 14 at Citizens Bank Park.
