Phillies’ early All-Star returns are even better than expected

The first MLB All-Star ballot update was released on Monday and so far the Phillies are well represented. 

Phillies’ early All-Star returns are even better than expected

As of Monday, first baseman Bryce Harper leads the entire National League in voting with 1.11 million votes while Alec Bohm is in the lead at third base with 1.01 million votes.

Elsewhere for the Phillies, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Brandon Marsh, and Kyle Schwarber all sit in the top five at their respective positions. 

If Harper can hold on at first base, this would be his eighth career All-Star appearance and second as a member of the Phillies. He is having a productive season so far, with 15 home runs and 46 RBI to go along with a .282 average. Not only has he impressed from the plate, he has also been consistent defensively as one of the best first baseman in all of baseball in his first full year at the position.

As for Bohm this would be his first appearance since making his debut in 2020. Bohm got off to a torrid start this year, and even though he has cooled off recently, he still has a .307 average to go along with seven home runs and 60 RBI, the latter of which ranks in the top five in Major League Baseball.

Stott, who is entering his third year with the club, has struggled offensively this season but has made significant strides as a second baseman. His defense has been valuable to a Phillies team that was without Trea Turner for just over six weeks. Stott sits behind Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte in the voting, both of whom have had stellar campaigns so far.

Marsh, who was recently activated from the injured list, will have a tougher time making the team as he lags behind Jurickson Profar, Christian Yelich, Fernando Tatis Jr, and Teoscar Hernández. Trailing Hernández by over 200,000 votes, an All-Star debut is unlikely for Marsh who has played both left and center field this season. 

J.T. Realmuto and Trea Turner both have a shot at the All-Star Game, however, their injury riddled seasons will likely hurt their chances. Turner missed a total of 38 games this season due to a hamstring injury that he suffered on May 3. When healthy, he was having a bounceback season with a .343 average in 137 at-bats. Realmuto was hitting a respectable .261 with seven home runs and 21 RBI when he went to the IL on June 10 and his defense has been a big reason for the success of the Phillies pitching staff so far this year.

Ranger Suárez, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Matt Strahm all have a shot

Ranger Suárez has been exceptional as he is tied for the league lead with wins (10) to go along with a 1.77 ERA through 14 games. He has a real shot at being the starting pitcher for the National League if he keeps up his performance.

Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler have both struggled as of late, but their performance as a whole so far warrants a look. Matt Strahm has followed up a solid first season in Philadelphia, with an even better year in 2024. He has pitched like one of the best relievers in baseball, as he holds a 3-1 record to go along with a 0.96 ERA. While these numbers are great, he is not a lock for the game as he could lose a spot due to MLB’s rules that every team gets an All-Star. 

It’s worth noting that fans do not vote on the pitchers and these votes come from player voting and the Commissioner’s Office. 

Fans have just over a week left in Phase 1 of the voting which ends on June 27 at noon ET. Phase 2 begins on June 30 and will run until July 3 and this portion allows fans to vote for the starters of the Midsummer Classic.