MLB will be missing two of its biggest stars, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, from the 2026 All-Star Game, a development that could hurt Fox’s broadcast ratings. Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way player and two-time National League MVP, will sit out due to ongoing left knee pain that affects his pitching but not his hitting. He will also skip his final pitching start before the break and undergo a procedure to drain fluid from his knee. Meanwhile, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, a two-time American League MVP and second in AL All-Star voting, remains sidelined with a rib stress fracture and will use the All-Star break to undergo follow-up imaging.

Ohtani and Judge have been central to MLB’s popularity, frequently leading fan voting and topping jersey sales, making their absence particularly significant. The Dodgers, chasing a third consecutive World Series championship, have maintained strong performance, while the Yankees have struggled with a 15-17 record since Judge’s injury. Yankees GM Brian Cashman expressed cautious optimism about Judge’s recovery but acknowledged the upcoming scan might not show a fully clean break. Their concurrent absences come at a crucial moment as MLB competes for sports viewership against major events like the NBA Finals and the World Cup.

Without these marquee players, the All-Star festivities are expected to spotlight Philadelphia hometown stars more heavily. Kyle Schwarber, currently leading MLB in home runs, is set to start at designated hitter for the National League and will compete in the Home Run Derby alongside his Phillies teammate Bryce Harper. Harper, selected by commissioner Rob Manfred as a “legend pick,” has put up solid numbers and is poised to gain increased attention in the absence of Ohtani and Judge, despite past tensions with MLB leadership.

Fox, which airs the All-Star Game, faces the challenge of boosting its audience following a 3% decline in viewership last year. The missing presence of Ohtani and Judge—two players who have been top draws for fans—compounds this challenge. Still, the league aims to generate excitement around stars like Schwarber, Harper, and Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez as it seeks to maintain momentum during the televised midseason showcase.