The MLB All-Star Break serves as a natural midpoint of the baseball season and a key checkpoint for evaluating standout individual performances. One of the most closely watched stats leading into the break is home run totals, as fans and analysts track who’s dominating the power game. Throughout MLB history, several sluggers have made headlines for reaching historic home run totals by the break.
Who Has the Most Home Runs at the MLB All-Star Break?
As of the most recent seasons, the record for the most home runs at the All-Star Break belongs to Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Luis Gonzalez, each achieving incredible numbers during historic first halves of their respective seasons.
Here are the top single-season home run leaders at the All-Star Break:
| Player | Home Runs at All-Star Break | Year | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barry Bonds | 39 | 2001 | San Francisco Giants |
| Mark McGwire | 37 | 1998 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Luis Gonzalez | 35 | 2001 | Arizona Diamondbacks |
| Sammy Sosa | 33 | 1998 | Chicago Cubs |
| Aaron Judge | 33 | 2022 | New York Yankees |
| Chris Davis | 37 | 2013 | Baltimore Orioles |
| Ken Griffey Jr. | 35 | 1998 | Seattle Mariners |
| Christian Yelich | 31 | 2019 | Milwaukee Brewers |
Note: These stats reflect totals at the official All-Star Break, not mid-season by game count, which may vary slightly due to scheduling.
Notable Recent Performances
In 2022, Aaron Judge had one of the most memorable first halves in recent memory, launching 33 home runs before the All-Star festivities. His power surge was instrumental in his pursuit of Roger Maris’ AL single-season record, which he ultimately broke with 62 home runs.
In 2019, Christian Yelich and Cody Bellinger both crossed the 30-HR mark before the break, highlighting a league-wide power boom in the era of the “juiced ball.”
Why Home Runs at the All-Star Break Matter
Tracking home run totals at the break gives fans a glimpse into potential MVP campaigns, Triple Crown threats, and record-breaking seasons. It also stokes excitement for the Home Run Derby, often featuring the game’s top sluggers.
Will the Record Be Broken?
With today’s hitters more focused than ever on launch angle and exit velocity, and more games played before the break due to scheduling, the record of 39 home runs at the All-Star Break is within reach — but still a tough feat. The combination of durability, consistency, and raw power makes it a rare achievement.