Summary:
- Ernie Clement led all American League players in Phase 1 All-Star voting with over 3.2 million votes.
- The player secured an automatic starting spot at second base.
- The Blue Jays utility infielder is enjoying a breakout season, hitting around .292 with 20 doubles and seven home runs.
Ernie Clement has emerged as one of the most surprising storylines of the 2026 MLB season, leading all American League players in Phase 1 All-Star voting and earning his first career All-Star selection.
Over 3.2 Million Votes
Clement received more than 3.2 million votes to finish as the AL’s top vote-getter, securing an automatic starting role at second base in the All-Star Game.
The result bypasses Phase 2 of voting entirely and places him among the league’s starters when the midseason showcase takes place on July 14.
The most votes in the league? ERN’d 🐶
Ernie Clement is heading to his first All-Star Game! pic.twitter.com/037IjgZGnu
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 25, 2026
The 30-year-old was originally drafted by Cleveland in 2017. There, he spent several seasons moving between organizations before finding a stable position role with the Blue Jays in 2023.
Ever since, his bat-to-ball skills and defensive versatility have made him a key piece in Toronto’s lineup.
This season, he has taken another step forward, posting a .292 batting average with 20 doubles, seven home runs and a steadily improving offensive profile.
His consistency and contact hitting have helped fuel his breakout, while his popularity among sports bettors has turned him into a surprise leader in All-Star voting.
Other Blue Jay Players in the Final
Beyond Clement, several Blue Jays players also advanced as finalists across positions, reflecting a strong fan response to the club’s overall season performance.
The list includes catcher Alejandro Kirk, first base Vladimir Guerrero Jr., third base Kazuma Okamoto, shortstop Andrés Giménez, outfield Daulton Varsho and Jesús Sánchez, and designated gitter George Springer.
Here are your American League All-Star Ballot FINALISTS!
Phase 2 voting opens Monday, 6/29 at noon ET and closes on Thursday, 7/2. Vote totals reset.
Ernie Clement earned an automatic bid as the top AL vote-getter in Phase 1. pic.twitter.com/Jzx29FkXrh
— MLB (@MLB) June 25, 2026
Phase 2 voting begins June 29, with final All-Star starters to be announced shortly after.
