JUST IN: New York Yankees Slugger Joins Judge as All-Star Game Starter
Juan Soto, now playing for the New York Yankees, has been named a starter for his first All-Star Game in pinstripes. Major League Baseball revealed the starting lineups for the American and National League teams, with Soto joining teammate Aaron Judge in the outfield for the game on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Judge, who led all players in fan voting during the initial phase, secured his spot earlier. Soto competed for the remaining outfield spots and earned enough votes to start alongside Judge. This marks Soto’s fourth consecutive All-Star appearance, having previously represented Washington (2021-22) and San Diego (2023) in the National League, including a reserve role last year with the Padres. This year’s selection is his first as a starter in the All-Star Game.
Steven Kwan of Cleveland finished behind Soto in the voting, claiming the third outfield spot. The Yankees were represented last year by Judge and pitcher Gerrit Cole, with Cole’s season impacted by injury this year. It’s likely that at least one member of the Yankees’ pitching staff, possibly rookie Luis Gil, will also be selected.
The starting infield for the American League includes Adley Rutschman (Baltimore) at catcher, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto) at first base, Jose Altuve (Houston) at second base, Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore) at shortstop, and José Ramírez (Cleveland) at third base. Yordan Alvarez (Houston) will serve as the designated hitter.
In the National League, the starting infield features William Contreras (Milwaukee) at catcher, Bryce Harper (Philadelphia) at first base, Ketel Marte (Arizona) at second base, Trea Turner (Philadelphia) at shortstop, and Alec Bohm (Philadelphia) at third base. The outfielders are Jurickson Profar and Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego) along with Christian Yelich (Milwaukee). Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) will be the designated hitter.
Reserves and pitching staff selections will be announced soon, based on player votes and MLB selections. The All-Star festivities begin with the HBCU Swingman Classic on July 12, followed by the MLB Futures Game and the Home Run Derby leading up to the All-Star Game on July 16.