In the final ballot update before the American League’s starting lineup for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game is released, MLB is on pace to achieve history.
Of the nine starting positions listed on the ballot, a different team would be represented at eight of them if the ballot holds in the final update.
A would-be record eight different teams are represented among the nine American League leaders in the latest fan balloting update for the @AllStarGame. Visit https://t.co/Jd6REEkFYI to vote. #MLBVote pic.twitter.com/ybcA24ERAT
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) June 26, 2018
Arguably the biggest surprise on the ballot is Tampa Bay Rays catcher Wilson Ramos, who leads New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez by over 100,000 votes. Sanchez is expected to miss up to a month with a groin strain, which should seal Ramos spot.
The starting outfield is likely locked up as well, giving the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees a representative.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve is locked in with an A.L.-leading 2.4M votes, while Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez holds a 500,000-plus vote lead.
The races to watch will be Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu’s 300,000-plus vote lead over Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel. Additionally, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado leads Astros shortstop Carlos Correa by less than 200,000 votes.