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Dodgers News: Smith and Freeman join Shohei as All-Star Starters

It was a busy news day in Dodgerland, so you might have missed it, but the starting lineups for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game have been announced. And it’s a pretty fair outcome as far as the Boys in Blue are concerned. The game set for July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta, and once again, the Dodgers will be well represented under the bright lights of baseball’s midsummer showcase. When the fan-voted starters were announced Wednesday on ESPN, no team had more cause for celebration than the Dodgers, who are sending three of their stars to the National League’s starting lineup — tied with the AL-leading Tigers for most of any team.

Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith all earned starting spots, with several other Dodgers just missing out. Here’s a closer look at the Dodgers who made it — and the ones who came oh-so-close.


Shohei Ohtani (Designated Hitter – 5th All-Star selection)

Let’s start with the obvious. Shohei Ohtani — the National League’s top overall vote-getter — was a lock the moment Phase 1 results were announced.

Even while not pitching this season as he continues recovering from elbow surgery, Ohtani has redefined what dominance at the plate looks like. He leads the NL in home runs (30), runs scored (83), slugging (.637), OPS (1.024), and OPS+ (183). Simply put: no one in baseball is doing what Ohtani is doing.

Dodgers fans have made him a staple of the All-Star spotlight — and now he’ll bring his two-way legend to Truist Park as the starting DH.


Will Smith (Catcher – 1st All-Star start, 3rd selection overall)

It’s been a long time coming, but Will Smith is finally getting the fan recognition he deserves.

One of the game’s most consistent backstops over the past few seasons, Smith has taken his game to another level in 2025. He leads all National League hitters — not just catchers — in batting average (.320) and on-base percentage (.418), while slugging a healthy .532. If he keeps it up, he’ll become the first catcher since Buster Posey in 2012 to finish with a .300/.400/.500 line.

He’s been the steady heartbeat of the Dodgers’ lineup all year, and now the rest of the league is taking notice.


Freddie Freeman (First Base – 5th All-Star start, 8th selection overall)

It wouldn’t be an All-Star Game without Freddie Freeman.

The veteran first baseman is starting his second Midsummer Classic as a Dodger and his seventh consecutive overall. At 35, Freeman is still one of the most productive hitters in the game, posting a .308 batting average with 21 doubles, 10 home runs, and 43 RBIs entering play Wednesday.

As usual, Freeman brings more than just numbers — his leadership, consistency, and elite defense have been instrumental to the Dodgers’ success this season. His All-Star nod is a well-earned recognition of another elite campaign.


Snubbed but Not Really: Pages, Teoscar, Betts, Muncy, and Edman

The Dodgers’ trio of starters wasn’t without some close calls. Here are a few names who just missed the starting nod — but could still be announced as reserves when full rosters drop on Sunday:

  • Andy Pages: The rookie sensation slugged his way into the national conversation with 17 homers and a near-.300 average. Still, it was always an uphill climb to win the fan vote in the crowded NL field.
  • Teoscar Hernández: A reliable source of power and energy in the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup, Teoscar has been a fan favorite in L.A. and finished among the top vote-getters. But his numbers were considerably lower than the other finalists, leading to his dropping a bit in the final vote tally.
  • Mookie Betts: Vying for the shortstop spot for the first time, Betts came up short behind Francisco Lindor. To be honest, the dude could use a break. A few days off might do him some good.
  • Max Muncy: Runner-up to Manny Machado at third base, Muncy had been on a hot stretch before suffering a knee injury on Wednesday. It remains to be seen how that impacts his All-Star eligibility.
  • Tommy Edman: The super-utility star’s case was strong, especially after a strong June at the plate and elite defense. He finished behind Ketel Marte at second base.

Dodgers Pride on Display

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts summed it up best earlier this week: “You want your guys to be recognized — and we’ve got a clubhouse full of guys who deserve it.”

The Dodgers, winners of the 2024 World Series and contenders once again this year, continue to set the bar in player development and star power. Having Ohtani, Smith, and Freeman all start in the All-Star Game not only reflects their individual excellence, but also the strength of the franchise.

Come July 15, Dodgers fans will have plenty to cheer for — and plenty of blue on the field in Atlanta.


Stay tuned to the blog for updates Sunday when the full All-Star rosters, including pitchers and reserves, are announced. Dodgers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Max Muncy, and Andy Pages could still hear their names called.

Let’s get ready for another Blue July!

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Steve Webb

A lifelong baseball fan, Webb has been going to Dodger games since he moved to Los Angeles in 1987. His favorite memory was attending the insane Game 3 of the World Series in 2025 and hugging random Dodgers fans after Freddie's walkoff homer. He has been writing for Dodgersbeat since 2020.
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