
Dodgers' All-Star Hopes Dwindle: Only 3 of 8 Finalists Named Starters
2025-07-02
Author: Ling
The Los Angeles Dodgers aimed to break records with a remarkable eight finalists for the National League starting lineup at the 2025 All-Star Game, but their dreams of a historic showing have dimmed.
With fans voting over a 48-hour period, Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani had already secured his place due to leading NL players in Phase 1 of voting. MLB officially announced the winners, and only Ohtani, catcher Will Smith, and first baseman Freddie Freeman will represent the Dodgers as starters.
The team's other five finalists—second baseman Tommy Edman, shortstop Mookie Betts, third baseman Max Muncy, and outfielders Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages—were unfortunately outvoted. This outcome means the Dodgers fall short of tying the record of five starters held by legendary teams like the 1976 Cincinnati Reds and the 1939 New York Yankees.
Freeman celebrates his ninth All-Star selection, batting an impressive .308 with 21 doubles, while Smith, boasting a .320 average and a .419 on-base percentage, marks his third All-Star appearance. Both players also contribute with 10 home runs this season.
While the starters have been announced, there’s still a chance for other Dodgers to join them as reserves, chosen by MLB players and the commissioner’s office. Upcoming complete rosters will be revealed this Sunday, with the All-Star Game set for July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Before the Dodgers faced the Chicago White Sox, manager Dave Roberts expressed his hope for more All-Stars from his squad, pointing to their strong first half of the season. "It’s exciting to see three guys starting, but I'd love to see two or three more join them," he said.
Historical context reveals the grandeur of teams that secured five starters in the All-Star Game. The '39 Yankees featured icons like Joe DiMaggio and Bill Dickey, while the legendary '76 Reds, known as the Big Red Machine, showcased stars such as Johnny Bench and Pete Rose.
Players who just missed out on starting spots are experiencing strong seasons, including superstars like Manny Machado and Ronald Acuña Jr. The Dodgers also have pitching hopeful Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who carries a solid 2.51 ERA.
As MLB’s All-Star excitement looms, fans and players alike are left wondering just how many Dodgers might still land a coveted spot when the complete rosters are unveiled.