MLB announces 2022 All-Star Game starters

Major League Baseball announced the 2022 All-Star Game starters Friday as voted on by fans.

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. led their respective leagues through the first phase of voting to earn automatic starting nods. The second round of voting had a pair of finalists square off at each position except outfield, where four players from each league vied for two slots.

MLB will announce the pitchers and reserves for each league Sunday. The 92nd MLB All-Star Game will take place July 19 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

National League

Catcher

Contreras is amid another sterling season in his final campaign before reaching free agency. This is his third career All-Star nod as he edged out Travis D'Arnaud for the honor.

First base

Goldschmidt is in the driver's seat for NL MVP and is set to make his first All-Star Game appearance since 2018 after getting the better of Pete Alonso in voting.

Second base

The Marlins' electric second baseman has become one of the most entertaining players in MLB. Chisholm will make his first All-Star Game appearance after securing more votes than the injured Ozzie Albies.

Shortstop

Turner will look to represent the hometown faithful admirably in his second All-Star Game. Turner and his teammate Mookie Betts could be paired up in this lineup, much like they are with the Dodgers.

Third base

Machado missed some time with an ankle injury but has helped the Padres stay afloat in the NL West despite star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.'s absence. Machado is a deserving candidate for NL MVP and will suit up for his sixth All-Star Game.

Outfield

Acuna looks no worse for wear after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out of Atlanta's World Series run last season. Betts missed some time with a rib injury but is quietly leading a Dodgers team that appears poised for yet another deep run in October. Pederson is one of the more surprising All-Star selections. However, he's been one of the few consistent presences for an underachieving Giants club this campaign.

Designated Hitter

*Harper is injured and won't play in the game

American League

Catcher

Kirk has morphed into the best offensive catcher in baseball this season and is a beloved figure in Toronto. He handily got past Jose Trevino in the voting and could be making his first of many All-Star Game appearances.

First base

Guerrero has taken a bit of a step back after an incredible MVP runner-up campaign in 2021. However, he's still hitting for power and posting quality numbers and remains one of the game's most exciting young players.

Second base

Altuve is set for his eighth All-Star Game appearance and remains one of the most consistent performers in baseball. After prioritizing average over power in the early part of his career, the Astros second baseman is poised to deliver his third 30-plus homer season in four years.

Shortstop

Anderson has become one of the young faces of MLB and his ability to hit to all parts of the field has allowed him to become a feared offensive player. The White Sox shortstop will make his second straight All-Star Game appearance after edging out Bo Bichette.

Third base

After a bit of a down 2020 campaign, Devers is making his second straight All-Star Game appearance. The Red Sox third baseman covers the plate like few others in baseball and has developed into one of the most difficult hitters for opponents to game plan for.

Outfield

The Yankees' hulking duo of Judge and Stanton will look to carry over from what's been an incredible season in New York thus far. Trout has battled some inconsistency in 2022, but he's managed to stay healthy for the most part, allowing him to return to the Midsummer Classic for a tenth time.

Designated Hitter

Ohtani is following up his transcendent MVP-winning season from a year ago with another electric offering in 2022. He's certainly a deserving representative, but Yordan Alvarez might have deserved the nod over the Angels' two-way star.