Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, Freddie Freeman, baseball”>
LOS ANGELES, July 3, 2025
<h2>Dodgers Dominate All-Star Nods</h2>
<em>Three Dodgers secured starting positions in the National League All-Star lineup.</em>
<ul>
<li>Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, and Freddie Freeman will start.</li>
<li>The All-Star Game is july 15 in Atlanta.</li>
<li>Complete rosters will be announced Sunday on ESPN.</li>
</ul>
The MLB All-Star Game starting lineups were announced Wednesday afternoon, and three Dodgers players will be starting in the July 15 game.
<h3>Three Dodgers to Start in Atlanta</h3>
Dodger fans have reason to celebrate as Shohei ohtani, Will Smith, and Freddie Freeman will represent Los Angeles as starters in the National League all-Star team. While eight Dodgers were finalists after fan voting concluded, only these three clinched starting spots.
Did you know?-The All-Star Game was canceled in 1945 due to World War II travel restrictions. The scheduled host,Boston,would have been unable to accommodate the influx of fans.
Ohtani had already secured his place by leading NL players in Phase 1 votes. Joining him are catcher Will Smith and first baseman Freddie Freeman, adding more star power to the National League lineup.
The other Dodgers finalists, including Tommy edman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Teoscar hernández, and Andy Pages, were outvoted in Phase 2 and will not start.
<h3>Record Remains Unbroken</h3>
The Dodgers' strong showing wasn't quite enough to break the record for the most starting players from a single team in an All-Star Game. The record of five starters is still held jointly by the 1976 Cincinnati Reds,the 1956 and 1957 Cincinnati Redlegs,and the 1939 New York Yankees.
Reader question:-Which team do you think will break the record for most All-Star starters in the next five years? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Freeman is heading to his ninth All-Star Game, boasting a .308 batting average and 21 doubles. Smith, making his third appearance, leads the NL with a .320 batting average and a .419 on-base percentage. Both sluggers have hit 10 home runs this season.
<h3>Angels and Other League Representatives</h3>
Mike Trout, an 11-time All-Star, was the sole Angels player among the American League finalists but did not finish in the top three outfielders. jacob Wilson, an Athletics rookie, was voted the AL starter at shortstop, surpassing Bobby Witt Jr.
finalists who weren't voted as starters aren't guaranteed a spot as a reserve. MLB players and the commissioner's office will vote on pitchers and reserves to complete the 32-man rosters. the complete All-Star Game rosters will be revealed at 2 p.m. PDT on sunday on ESPN.Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Yankees manager Aaron Boone have no influence on the selections. Roberts commented before Wednesday night's game against the Chicago White Sox that he hoped more of his players would be selected.
"I think they've all had great first halves, and it's great to know that three guys are starting," Roberts said. "And so hopefully we get a couple, two or three more. Really, good, really good."
<h3>Historical Context</h3>
The teams that previously boasted five starters included both legendary Hall of Famers and lesser-known players.
The 1939 Yankees featured Joe DiMaggio, George Selkirk, Bill Dickey, Red Rolfe, and Joe gordon. Red Ruffing, chosen as the starting pitcher by manager Joe McCarthy, brought the Yankees' total to six starters, a unique achievement.
The 1976 Cincinnati Reds,famously known as the Big Red Machine,had Johnny bench and Joe Morgan leading the way.Pete Rose, Dave Concepción, and George Foster also started that year.
From 1953 to 1959, the Reds temporarily changed their name to the Redlegs, distancing themselves from the Red Scare during a period of intense anti-communism in the U.S.
In 1957, fan voting irregularities led MLB commissioner Ford Frick to intervene and eliminate fan voting for over a decade. Initial results suggested an all-Redlegs lineup, prompting Frick to replace three Redlegs with Stan Musial, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron.
Although Dodgers players who finished second may be disappointed, they likely won't strongly object to the results, considering the strong seasons of those who edged them out: Manny Machado, Francisco Lindor, Ketel Marte, Ronald Acuña Jr., Kyle Tucker, and Pete Crow-Armstrong.<h3>Additional Players to Watch</h3>
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (8-6, 2.51 ERA) of the Dodgers is a strong contender for the NL pitching staff. Representing the angels, Mike Trout could be chosen as a reserve or pitcher.
Other possibilities for the angels include Logan O'hoppe (17 home runs), Zach Neto (12 home runs, team-high 2.7 WAR), Jo Adell (18 homers, 44 RBIs), and Yusei Kikuchi (2.79 ERA in 96.2 innings).<h3 id="mlb-all-star-starting-lineups" class="subhead">MLB All-Star Starting Lineups</h3>
Pro tip:-Check the MLB website on Sunday to see the complete All-Star rosters.pitchers and reserve players are selected by MLB players and the commissioner's office.
<b>National League</b><br/>
C: Will Smith, Dodgers<br/>
1B: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers<br/>
2B: Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks<br/>
SS: francisco Lindor, Mets<br/>
3b: Manny Machado<br/>
OF: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs<br/>
OF: Kyle Tucker, Cubs<br/>
OF: Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves<br/>
DH: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
<b>American League</b><br/>
C: cal Raleigh, Mariners<br/>
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays<br/>
2B: Gleyber Torres, Tigers<br/>
SS: Jacob Wilson, Athletics<br/>
3B: Jose Ramirez, Guardians<br/>
OF: Aaron Judge, Yankees<br/>
OF: Riley Greene, Tigers<br/>
OF: Javier Baez, Tigers<br/>
DH: ryan O'Hearn, Orioles<h3>Predicting the Next Record-Breaking Team</h3>
Breaking a record as remarkable as having five All-Star starters is no small feat, especially given the ancient company. Onyl three teams share this distinction.
Who will be the next team to accomplish this, or even surpass it? LetS examine the contenders.
<h4>Contenders for All-Star Dominance</h4>
Several teams are assembling rosters that could realistically challenge this record in the coming years. The key is a combination of sustained success, outstanding individual talent, and perhaps a little bit of luck. The Los Angeles Dodgers are strong contenders, as they are consistently competitive and have a roster filled with stars.
<ul>
<li>
<b>Los Angeles Dodgers:</b> As highlighted by their three starters this year, the Dodgers consistently field a roster of elite players.Their ability to attract and develop top talent makes them a perennial threat.
</li>
<li>
<b>New York Yankees:</b> The Yankees’ deep pockets and tradition of winning almost always translate into star-studded rosters. Their ability to acquire top-tier talent through free agency and trades keeps them in the hunt.
</li>
<li>
<b>Atlanta Braves:</b> The Braves have built a lasting model of success through smart drafting, player development, and strategic acquisitions. They regularly feature several All-Star-caliber players.
</li>
</ul>
Predicting the future is always uncertain, but these teams have the best chance to add their names to this exclusive list.
<h4>Factors Influencing All-Star Selection</h4>
While talent is paramount, here are other key factors that influence a team’s shot at a record number of All-Star starters:
<ol>
<li>
<b>Team Performance:</b> A team’s overall success often translates to more All-Star selections. Winning teams garner more attention, giving their players a larger platform for fan and player votes.
</li>
<li>
<b>Player Performance:</b> Obvious, but the more outstanding seasons, the better. Consistent, high-performing players are essential.
</li>
<li>
<b>Division Strength:</b> Playing in a competitive division can boost the visibility of star players. Facing tough opponents showcases talent.
</li>
<li>
<b>Managerial Influence:</b> While managers don’t directly pick All-Stars, their strategic use of players can amplify their impact and recognition.
</li>
</ol>
<h4>Practical Tips: How Teams Can Maximize All-star Potential</h4>
To increase the chances of having multiple All-Star starters, teams should focus on:
<ul>
<li>
<b>Investing in Player Development:</b> Cultivating young talent is key. Well-developed players can blossom into All-Stars.
</li>
<li>
<b>Strategic Acquisitions:</b> Smart trades and free-agent signings can bring in game-changing players.
</li>
<li>
<b>Creating a Winning Culture:</b> A winning atmosphere attracts talent and motivates players to perform at their best.
</li>
<li>
<b>Media Promotion:</b> Effectively showcasing players through media outlets can boost their visibility and profile.
</li>
</ul>
<h4>Myths vs. Facts</h4>
<table>
<tr>
<th>Myth</th>
<th>Fact</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Only big-market teams can dominate All-star selections.</td>
<td>While market size helps, smart player development and a winning culture are more important than market size.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fan voting solely determines All-Star starters.</td>
<td>Fan voting is just one part of the process. Players and the commissioner’s office also strongly influence the final rosters.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A single superstar guarantees All-Star selections for a team.</td>
<td>One star can help, but multiple high-performing players are needed to challenge the record.</td>
</tr>
</table>
<h4>FAQs</h4>
<ol>
<li>
<b>Q:</b> What’s the biggest hurdle a team faces in trying to break this record?
<br>
<b>A:</b> Sustaining an extraordinary level of talent across multiple positions year after year.
</li>
<li>
<b>Q:</b> Does winning the World Series increase a team’s chances of multiple All-Star selections the following year?
<br>
<b>A:</b> Absolutely. Success often leads to greater recognition and influence during All-Star selection.
</li>
<li>
<b>Q:</b> How much does the team’s manager influence All-Star selections?
<br>
<b>A:</b> While the manager doesn’t pick the All-Star team, their strategic use of players can increase visibility and impact on the field.
</li>
</ol>
