Los Angeles, California – In a testament to his unparalleled global appeal and undeniable on-field brilliance, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has once again asserted his dominance in the hearts and minds of baseball fans across the globe. The results of Phase 1 of the 2025 MLB All-Star voting are in, and it’s official: Shohei Ohtani received the most votes from all National League players, thereby being automatically crowned the National League’s starting Designated Hitter for the Midsummer Classic in Atlanta on July 15. This marks his fifth consecutive All-Star nod and his second time leading a league in All-Star votes, having previously topped the American League ballot in 2023 with the Angels.
This overwhelming mandate from the fans is a clear reflection of Ohtani’s continued awe-inspiring performance in his second season with the Dodgers, a year after leading them to a World Series Championship in 2024 as a full-time designated hitter. Despite spending the 2024 season recovering from elbow surgery and only recently making his return to the mound in June 2025, his offensive prowess alone has been more than enough to capture the imagination of millions.
At the time of the Phase 1 voting conclusion on Thursday, June 26, Ohtani led the National League in several key offensive categories. He was tied for the MLB lead and topped the NL with an incredible 28 home runs. His 1.025 OPS was also tops in the NL, showcasing his elite combination of on-base ability and raw power. Furthermore, he led Major League Baseball with 80 runs scored, a testament to his consistent presence on base and the power bats behind him in the Dodgers’ formidable lineup. These numbers speak volumes, but they only tell part of the story.
The All-Star fan vote is a popularity contest, yes, but it’s also a powerful indicator of who resonates most profoundly with the baseball public. Ohtani’s nearly 4 million votes (3,967,668, to be exact) in Phase 1 highlight his unique status as a global icon. He trailed only American League leading vote-getter Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees (4,012,983 votes) for the overall MLB lead, but his commanding lead in the NL was undeniable. He effectively bypassed Phase 2 of voting for the DH position, securing his spot outright – a testament to the sheer volume of support he garners.
This accomplishment is particularly significant given his shift from the American League to the National League in 2024. Despite moving to a new league and a new team, Ohtani’s fan base has clearly followed him, demonstrating that his appeal transcends team loyalties and even league affiliations. He is not just a Dodger; he is Shohei Ohtani, a singular phenomenon whose talent and humble demeanor captivate audiences wherever he plays.
For those unfamiliar with the intricate MLB All-Star voting process, it’s divided into two phases designed to engage fans directly in selecting the game’s starters.
- Phase 1: This initial phase allows fans to vote for a full slate of players at each position (including Designated Hitter) across both the American League and National League. Fans can vote multiple times per day during this period. The crucial outcome of Phase 1 is that the top overall vote-getter in each league (regardless of position) automatically earns a starting spot in the All-Star Game. For the 2025 season, this meant Aaron Judge for the AL and Shohei Ohtani for the NL. Additionally, the top two vote-getters at every other position (and the top six outfielders) advance to Phase 2.
- Phase 2 (The All-Star Ballot Finals): In this shorter, more intense phase, all vote totals from Phase 1 are reset to zero. Fans then vote once per day for their preferred player among the two finalists at each position (and from the pool of outfield finalists). The winners of these head-to-head (or multi-player for outfield) matchups, combined with the automatic qualifiers from Phase 1, determine the remaining starting position players for each league. This second phase began on Monday, June 30, and will conclude on Wednesday, July 2.
By securing the most votes in the National League during Phase 1, Ohtani ensured he would bypass the competitive Phase 2 at the DH position, guaranteeing his starting spot well in advance of the July 15 game in Atlanta.
This fifth consecutive All-Star selection further cements Ohtani’s burgeoning legacy as one of baseball’s most consistently recognized stars. While he famously made history in 2021 by starting the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and a designated hitter, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who will be managing the National League team, has already confirmed that Ohtani will strictly be a hitter in this year’s Midsummer Classic. This decision is understandable given Ohtani’s recent return to the mound in mid-June after missing the 2024 season as a pitcher due to his second elbow surgery. He’s gradually building his arm strength back up, and the All-Star break provides a valuable opportunity for rest and continued recovery, rather than pitching in an exhibition game.
Despite not pitching in the All-Star Game itself, Ohtani’s return to two-way status in 2025 – even in a limited capacity so far – has added another layer of excitement around his already captivating career. His ability to hit towering home runs while simultaneously working towards regaining his elite pitching form is what makes him a truly unparalleled talent.
His presence in Atlanta will undoubtedly be a massive draw for fans. Dave Roberts himself lauded Ohtani’s popularity, stating, “The fans love him. He’s the best player. It’s going to be exciting for the fans to watch him in Atlanta for the All-Star Game.” Ohtani will join Hall of Famer David Ortiz as the only players in history with five All-Star starts at designated hitter, further solidifying his place among the game’s all-time great sluggers at the position.
As Phase 2 voting unfolds, Ohtani will likely be joined by several of his Dodgers teammates in the NL starting lineup. Dodgers catcher Will Smith, first baseman Freddie Freeman, second baseman Tommy Edman, shortstop Mookie Betts, third baseman Max Muncy, and outfielders Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages were all finalists from Phase 1, demonstrating the incredible talent assembled by the reigning World Series champions.
For Shohei Ohtani, this All-Star selection is more than just another accolade; it’s a powerful affirmation of his enduring connection with baseball fans worldwide. It’s a tribute to his unique blend of prodigious talent, relentless dedication, and the quiet charisma that makes him a true global icon in the world of sports. Congratulations, Shohei, on yet another well-deserved honor.
