The 2025 MLB All-Star Game is shaping up to be more than just baseball’s biggest exhibition—it is now basically the clash of titans. The best of the best together, sharing laughs, games, and also a whole lot of tension, it seems. And at the thick of it are none other than New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Dodgers two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani.

Judge, who is on an absolute tear this season, arrived in Atlanta for his seventh All-Star appearance. He looked relaxed, sure, but also a little fired up. He appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, making a guest appearance ahead of the event. There he was, full of laughs, smiles, and jokes, until Ohtani’s name came up.

Judge said with a grin, “He’s a great guy and a great ambassador for this game. But we’re going to get him back though… We’ll see him down the road.” Playful jab? Sure, it can be, but if you know Judge, you also know he doesn’t speak much, so there seems to be a sting in that jab.

Because let’s not forget what happened the last time these two megastars shared a national stage—the 2024 World Series. This is when Ohtani’s Dodgers took down Judge’s New York Yankees in an unforgettable manner. And mind you, that was Ohtani’s first time in the postseason, and he made it till the rings. So maybe while the All-Star Game does not come with rings, that competitive fire has not cooled down. And Judge honestly has every reason to be confident.

Aaron Judge is leading MLB in almost every offensive front: hits (125), average (.355), OBP (.462), slugging (.733), OPS (1.195)—and sits at 35 home runs. He is just three shy of league leader Cal Raleigh. But of course, Ohtani, as always, won’t make it easy for him. The Japanese two-way phenom has 32 home runs, and while he won’t pitch for the All-Star Game, his bat alone can send down ripples of anxiety through the AL clubhouse. Plus, did you know that while Judge may be heads, in terms of performance, Ohtani is still ahead when it comes to popularity! Turns out that Ohtani jersey sales are way more than Judge!

Also, the Judge’s comment on the show was seemingly lighthearted, but fans know what’s at stake. Last time, Ohtani got the last laugh; this time, Judge is ready. And when the AL and NL line up on Tuesday at Truist Park, don’t let the smiles fool you.

Ohtani leads off, Aaron Judge anchors AL as MLB’s brightest stars clash

As the lights get bright and ready for the All-Star Game, the lineup certainly does deliver. For the National League, it’s none after Shohei Ohtani, who is leading off as the DH. The Dodgers sensation will kick things off on Tuesday, followed by Ronald Acuna Jr., Ketel Marte, and then Freddie Freeman, Manny Machado, and also Pete Crow-Armstrong. On the mound, Paul Skenes will be making his second back-to-back All-Star game after dominating the league with a 2.01 ERA.

On the AL side, the power begins with Gleyber Torres and Riley Greene. But the third man is Aaron Judge, who will look to deliver fireworks. Backing him up will be Cal Raleigh and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The pitching will be led by Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, the one who is entering the game with a 2.23 ERA and velocity.

While Judge and Ohtani will clash on the field, many were hoping to see the duo in battle in the Home Run Derby. But guess that dream will have to wait, because Ohtani, who is third in the majors with 32 homers, has opted out. In June, he had mentioned that the format is taxing and the rules are difficult. And Judge isn’t in the Derby either.

Still be ready for the epic showdown at the All-Star Game itself. Are you excited?