Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — If the Dodgers are having a “down” year, it certainly isn’t the fault of the first four hitters in the lineup. And each of those four: Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and J.D. Martinez came up big in the first round of fan voting for the All-Star game this year. They move on to the final round, where they will be head-to-head against the other top vote getters at their position. Let’s break down where they’re at, and whether or not they should get the start.
1. Mookie Betts (.261, 18 HR, 45 RBI .867 OPS)
Mookie Betts at the top of a lineup can be a very good thing indeed. A notoriously streaky hitter, it still feels like Betts has not quite kicked it into high gear in 2023. Still what he’s done so far is pretty darn good. Especially interesting this year is his defensive flexibility as his time in the infield this year has allowed guys like Jason Heyward, Chris Taylor, and David Peralta more chances in the outfield. His OPS is 12th best in the NL and fourth among outfielders. Since Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. got the most overall votes in baseball this year, Betts will be vying for one of the final two outfield spots. He’ll be matched against the dynamic Corbin Carroll from the D-backs, as well as Carroll’s teammate Lourdes Gurriel Jr., both quite deserving in their own right. Fan favorite Michael Harris II is also on the list, but he’s having just a so-so year after being rookie of the year in 2022. Given that Mookie had nearly 800,000 votes over the rest of the challengers, I’d say Mookie has a good chance of starting yet another All-Star game in Dodger blue (or whatever goofy color they choose for the unis).
2. Freddie Freeman (.319, 14 HR, 47 RBI, .948 OPS)
Since he came to the Dodgers, Freddie Freeman has been the best player on this team. His consistency is something to behold, and I don’t think fans truly appreciate what a special hitter he is until they get to witness it day in and day out for an entire season. Though he was the top vote-getting at first base this year, he will have a dogfight for the starting job with his replacement in Atlanta, Matt Olson. Olson’s numbers are comparable to Freeman’s (.866 OPS, 23 HR), but in the end, Freeman is having a better year. I’d say he’s probably got this one sewn up. Vote for him anyway, but the dude totally deserves the start.
3. Will Smith (.292, 10 HR, 38 RBI, .900 OPS)
The fact that Will Smith has not yet made an All Star team is a crime against humanity. The guy has been nails since he came up to the bigs in 2019. This year, however, he has some stiff competition for the starting spot behind the dish. The Braves big offseason acquisition, Sean Murphy (obtained from the now-hapless A’s) is going crazy down in Atlanta. In fact, his OPS is a skosh higher than Smith’s very gaudy number. And, Murphy will benefit from the regional appeal of the Braves, who usually get voting support from all around the South. Plus, Smith’s low-key manner just doesn’t draw attention to himself or how great he is as a player. I’d say he’s probably going to make the team, but a start might be a reach at this point. He’s that guy that deserves your votes. Start stuffing the ballot boxes now!
J.D. Martinez (.257, 16 HR, 48 RBI, .864 OPS)
If you had asked me two weeks ago, I would have said J.D. was a lock to make the start at DH for the National League. His scorching May (.311 with eight home runs and a 1.041 OPS) put him head and shoulders above anybody else at the position. However, then Bryce Harper happened. Perennial MVP candidate Harper came back in record time after his Tommy John surgery in the offseason, but for the time being, the Phillies’ star is relegated to DH duties until his arm is well enough to make throws, either from first or from his typical position in right field. So, Harper is head-to-head with Martinez for the spot. Though his late start doesn’t give Harper enough plate appearances to be on the leaderboard in the NL, his numbers are still solid, though his homer number are way down (only three dingers in 43 games). Still his .297 average and .807 OPS might be enough to put Harper over the top. Still, I’d give the nod to Martinez, but not sure which direction the fans will go on this one. In the first round of voting Martinez led Harper by about 200,000 votes, so we’ll see if that holds up.
Pitchers
Of course for some weird reason, nobody votes for pitchers for the All-Star game, but the Dodgers should be represented by at least a couple of guys in that category, even if they haven’t quite got the full staff to bulldoze opponents like they have had in year past. Clayton Kershaw, who is first in wins with nine and third in ERA with a 2.72 seems headed for another appearance in the Mid-season Classic. And though Tony Gonsolin made a late start of things in 2023, he’s been great this year. Both guys seem likely to be on the squad. Bobby Miller might make a late charge if he can keep putting up good numbers. As far as relievers go, Evan Phillips seems like a good bet, with Brusdar Graterol an outside possibility.
Voting for position players gets back underway on Monday, July 26 at 9:00 am PDT. Vote early and often, and let’s show the rest of baseball that the Dodgers aren’t going anywhere!
