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Shohei Ohtani Leads All-Star Voting, Secures Sixth Starter Spot

2026-07-01 · Shohei Ohtani · Player Focus

Shohei Ohtani Leads All-Star Voting, Secures Sixth Starter Spot

Shohei Ohtani clinched his sixth All-Star starter slot on June 25, 2026, topping the National League vote with 3,341,257 ballots, confirming his dual threat as a hitter and pitcher.

What happened?

MLB announced its first two All-Star starters, naming Ohtani the NL’s top vote-getter and Toronto’s Ernie Clement the AL’s highest-voted player. The vote totals, released by the league, show Ohtani edging Clement by roughly 100,000 votes. Ohtani’s early inclusion reflects his status as a Cy Young contender and his league-leading on-base percentage and OPS+.

Why does this matter for Shohei Ohtani?

The selection guarantees Ohtani a starting role at designated hitter in the midsummer classic at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia. While his DH spot is set, his 1.58 ERA over 13 games and 79 2/3 innings makes a pitching start plausible. The dual-role potential amplifies his marketability and adds pressure to maintain elite performance in both facets.

How does Ohtani compare to his peers?

Ohtani’s vote total surpasses all NL players for the second straight season, underscoring his fan-driven popularity. In contrast, Clement, a newcomer to the All-Star ballot, amassed 3,232,932 votes, a remarkable surge after a year-long absence from the ballot. Ohtani’s OPS+ leads the NL, while his .292 batting average and 102 OPS+ keep him among the league’s top hitters.

What’s next for Shohei Ohtani?

Phase 2 of the All-Star selection opens on Monday at noon ET, with reserves and pitchers to be announced on July 4. Ohtani’s performance in the upcoming weeks will be scrutinized, especially his mound outings, as he aims to solidify a starting pitcher slot. The Dodgers will look to capitalize on his momentum heading into the second half of the season.

How will this affect the Dodgers?

Los Angeles gains a marquee player guaranteed to appear in the All-Star Game, boosting ticket sales and media exposure. Ohtani’s presence also provides a strategic advantage; his ability to pitch and hit offers lineup flexibility. The Dodgers’ front office will likely manage his workload carefully to preserve his health for the postseason run.

Who else made the All-Star list?

The NL roster includes catchers Drake Baldwin and Will Smith, first basemen Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson, and outfielders Andy Pages and Ronald Acuña Jr., among others. The AL features catchers Shea Langeliers and Alejandro Kirk, first basemen Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and outfielders Aaron Judge and Mike Trout. The full slate sets the stage for a competitive showdown in Philadelphia.

The All-Star Game promises to showcase Ohtani’s rare blend of power hitting and pitching prowess, a narrative that continues to draw global attention to MLB.

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