The excitement is already building for the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which is set to take place on Tuesday, July 16, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. This year's event promises to be a landmark occasion, marking the first time since 1934 that the game will be hosted by the reigning World Series champions. The American League will be led by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, while Torey Lovullo of the Diamondbacks will take command for the National League.
The lineup for the Midsummer Classic is studded with star power and new talent alike. Leading the National League as the designated hitter is the remarkable Shohei Ohtani, who emerged victorious in voting. This selection is Ohtani's fourth consecutive time as an All-Star starter, but notably his first as an NL All-Star, making it a momentous occasion for the standout player.
In the American League outfield, fans will see the familiar faces of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto of the Yankees. Judge, a powerhouse in the sport, will be making his sixth All-Star appearance. Soto, despite being only 25 years old, continues to impress and will be making his fourth All-Star appearance. Both players secured their automatic berths by clinching the top spots in their respective leagues during Phase 1 of the voting process, with Judge joined by Bryce Harper in this achievement.
Turning to the infield, Jose Altuve of the Astros stands out with the most All-Star selections at nine. Joining Altuve are several first-time All-Stars who are poised to showcase their skills on this grand stage. These include Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles, Alec Bohm of the Phillies, Jurickson Profar of the Padres, and Steven Kwan of the Guardians.
The American League infield features a mix of seasoned players and fresh faces. Adley Rutschman of the Orioles will serve as the catcher for the second time. At first base, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays will make his fourth selection, while Jose Altuve will take second base for his ninth All-Star appearance. José Ramírez of the Guardians, marking his sixth selection, will handle third base. Rounding out the infield is Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, making his debut appearance, with Yordan Alvarez serving as the designated hitter for his third selection.
Over in the National League, William Contreras of the Brewers is set to be the catcher, marking his second appearance. Bryce Harper of the Phillies, with nine All-Star appearances under his belt, will play first base. Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks will cover second base for his second selection, and Alec Bohm of the Phillies will play third base in his first All-Star appearance. Completing the infield is Trea Turner of the Phillies at shortstop, with his third All-Star appearance. The outfield will feature Christian Yelich of the Brewers, making his third appearance, Fernando Tatis Jr. of the Padres with his second, and Jurickson Profar, who is making his debut in the All-Star Game. Shohei Ohtani will serve as the designated hitter for his fourth selection.
Baseball enthusiasts and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of the reserves and pitchers for the All-Star Game, which will be revealed on Sunday, July 7, at 5:30 p.m. ET. With a blend of experienced All-Stars and new talents making their debut, the 2024 All-Star Game promises to be a thrilling showcase of baseball's finest.