2026 MLB – Phase 2 of MLB All-Star voting starts now after Shohei Ohtani and Ernie Clement became the first confirmed starters for the 2026 game in Philadelphia. With the rest of the starting spots still up for grabs and Phase 1 vote totals reset, the race tightens acros
O Canada! The neighbors to the north made their voices heard early—then turned the page.
Ernie Clement joined Shohei Ohtani as the first players named as All-Star starters after leading their respective leagues in voting after Phase 1. Phase 2 begins now. And this time. all the drama is in the details: besides the National League designated hitter spot and the American League second baseman spot—filled by Ohtani and Clement. respectively—every other starting position remains up for grabs.
The process is straightforward, but the stakes aren’t. The top two vote-getters at their positions—top six for outfielders—moved on as finalists. Voting runs through July 2 at 12 p.m. ET. Then comes the reset that changes everything: vote totals from Phase 1 will reset.
Given the cast of characters, the 2025 World Series teams show up across the ballots, and there’s a Toronto finalist at every AL position. In Philadelphia on July 14, the question is no longer “Who led early?” It’s “Who deserves to start now?”
2026 MLB All-Star voting Phase 2 Philadelphia All-Star Game July 14 Shohei Ohtani starter Ernie Clement starter position battles
So July 2 votes decide the starters? Philly gonna boo whoever loses.
I don’t even get how voting resets like that, seems rigged. Like you vote then they just wipe it? And O Canada??
Wait, does Ernie Clement automatically start because of Phase 1? I thought Ohtani was in the DH spot but then it says every other position is up for grabs so… how can he be “confirmed” but also not? Man MLB makes this confusing on purpose.
Toronto finalists at every AL position?? That’s kinda wild, like how many of those guys even play here. Also the reset part makes me think the earlier votes don’t matter which is annoying, but I’m sure it’s all for “drama” anyway. My cousin said the 2025 World Series teams are already winning the ballots too, idk if that’s true but sounds right.