Shohei Ohtani Tops National League Voting, Named Starting Designated Hitter for 2025 MLB All-Star Game After Historic First Half

The baseball world just can’t get enough of Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar continues to rewrite history, and fans have spoken loud and clear. Ohtani has been named the National League’s starting designated hitter for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game after leading all NL players in Phase 1 of fan voting.

It’s yet another milestone in Ohtani’s remarkable journey through Major League Baseball, and this latest honor is particularly significant given that 2025 marks his first full season playing in the National League after signing his record-breaking deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers last winter.

Ohtani, known worldwide for his unprecedented ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate, transitioned to the Dodgers after a historic tenure with the Los Angeles Angels. Though he has been unable to pitch this season as he recovers from elbow surgery, his impact as a hitter has been nothing short of sensational.

The voting results confirm what baseball fans everywhere already knew—Shohei Ohtani remains the most electrifying and beloved player in the sport. His overwhelming support in Phase 1 of the All-Star voting is a testament to both his on-field dominance and his global popularity.

“Shohei is doing things we’ve never seen before, and he’s doing it on the biggest stage, under the brightest lights,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the announcement. “For him to come in, embrace the National League, and instantly capture the hearts of fans everywhere, it speaks to how special he is—not just as a player, but as a person.”

Indeed, Ohtani’s numbers speak for themselves. Through the first half of the 2025 MLB season, Ohtani leads the National League in home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS, while ranking among the league leaders in RBIs, walks, and extra-base hits. Despite not pitching, his offensive production has been jaw-dropping, as he’s seamlessly adjusted to life at Dodger Stadium and the added spotlight of being part of one of baseball’s most storied franchises.

His selection as the National League’s starting designated hitter for the Midsummer Classic is fitting, given the magnitude of his performances and the excitement he generates every time he steps to the plate.

Ohtani’s selection marks his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance, but this year carries extra meaning as it symbolizes his successful transition to a new team, a new league, and even higher expectations.

“I’m honored and grateful to all the fans who voted for me,” Ohtani said in a statement following the announcement. “The support I’ve received in Los Angeles and around the world means everything to me. I’m looking forward to representing the Dodgers, the National League, and hopefully putting on a great show for the fans.”

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game, set to be played at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, promises to showcase the game’s brightest stars, but few shine as brightly as Ohtani. His inclusion in the National League starting lineup underscores his place as one of the game’s transcendent talents, capable of captivating audiences regardless of venue, league, or uniform.

This year’s All-Star festivities also mark a unique moment in baseball history. Ohtani becomes one of only a handful of players to start All-Star Games in both leagues, and given his dual-threat capabilities, his presence elevates the spectacle even further.

Fans across the globe have rallied behind Ohtani, making him not only a baseball phenomenon but also an international icon. His merchandise flies off the shelves, his highlights trend across social media platforms, and his ability to connect with fans—whether through his historic performances or his humble demeanor—sets him apart in today’s sports landscape.

Ohtani’s journey from Japan’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters to MLB superstardom has been well documented, but his ability to keep raising the bar continues to astonish the baseball world. His 2025 campaign is proof that even after historic seasons, there’s always another level to his greatness.

While his absence from the mound due to surgery recovery has been noticeable, his bat has more than compensated. Ohtani currently paces the NL with an impressive .331 batting average, 27 home runs, and 67 RBIs entering the final week before the All-Star break. His ability to consistently produce clutch hits, combined with his plate discipline and power to all fields, has made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers and a dream come true for Dodgers fans.

For the Dodgers, Ohtani’s success has fueled their status as one of the National League’s top teams. His offensive prowess, combined with a star-studded roster featuring names like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith, has positioned Los Angeles as a serious contender for the World Series title.

Off the field, Ohtani has embraced the challenge of joining a new clubhouse, adjusting to new teammates, and handling the immense expectations that came with his landmark contract. By all accounts, he has done so with characteristic humility, grace, and determination.

“He’s as driven as anyone I’ve ever seen,” Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts remarked earlier this season. “The way he prepares, the way he competes, and the way he treats people—it’s inspiring to be around.”

As the National League’s leading vote-getter and starting DH, Ohtani now prepares to represent not only the Dodgers but the entirety of the league on one of baseball’s grandest stages. The All-Star Game provides a platform to celebrate the game’s elite, and few embody that spirit more completely than Ohtani.

In many ways, this moment represents the culmination of years of global admiration for Ohtani’s rare talent, as well as the beginning of a new chapter with the Dodgers. His first season in the National League has been an undeniable success, and his All-Star selection reinforces his standing as the face of baseball.

Baseball legends, current stars, and fans alike have all marveled at Ohtani’s accomplishments, with many predicting his legacy will one day rival the greatest players the game has ever seen.

As the countdown to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game continues, all eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani. Whether launching tape-measure home runs, drawing walks, or flashing his charismatic smile, he remains must-see entertainment for baseball enthusiasts worldwide.

And now, with the National League’s fans, players, and coaches recognizing his brilliance, Ohtani will take his rightful place in the All-Star spotlight once again.

Voted best in Sho? No doubt about it. The fans have spoken, and Shohei Ohtani continues to deliver—on the field, in the box score, and in the hearts of baseball lovers everywhere.