The Los Angeles Dodgers have achieved the best record in Major League Baseball at the All-Star break, marking the first time a defending champion has done so since 2010. This strong performance positions them well for a potential third consecutive World Series title, yet a review of individual player grades reveals a diverse spectrum of success.
The team's offense ranks first in the majors in on-base plus slugging (OPS) and third in runs scored, while their pitching staff is third in earned run average (ERA) and first in walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP). The defense also leads the league in fielding percentage. These achievements have been accomplished despite significant injuries to key players in the lineup, rotation, and bullpen.
Shohei Ohtani received an 'A' grade, with the only caveat being lingering injury concerns. He has been exceptional in his return to a full-time two-way role, ranking fifth in MLB in OPS and second in ERA among pitchers with at least 80 innings. He is considered a strong contender for his fifth MVP award.
Pitcher Justin Wrobleski earned an 'A' for exceeding expectations, leading the rotation with 10 wins and boasting a 2.69 ERA. Andy Pages received an 'A-' for a strong first half, including his first All-Star selection and recognition as one of the sport's top defensive center fielders.
Veteran Freddie Freeman also earned an 'A-', delivering consistent performance both at the plate and defensively, though his batting average is currently .290, just shy of his annual .300 goal. Max Muncy, returning to the All-Star Game, received an 'A-' for hitting above .250 with 17 home runs, although his RBIs have lagged.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was graded 'A-' for solidifying his role as the team's rotation ace, and Alex Vesia, with the lowest ERA in the bullpen at 2.27, also received an 'A-'.
Other notable grades include Tanner Scott ('B+'), who has re-established himself as a reliable high-leverage reliever, and Edgardo Henriquez ('B+'), who has quietly emerged as one of the league's better relievers. Will Klein ('B+') has secured a full-time role in the bullpen, and Miguel Rojas ('B+') continues to contribute in his part-time role.
Tommy Edman ('B+') has shown promise since returning from ankle surgery, adding depth to the lineup. Pitchers Eric Lauer ('B') and Jack Dreyer ('B') have provided valuable innings and depth, respectively.
Mookie Betts received a 'B-', showing flashes of his former MVP form in June, and maintaining excellent defensive play at shortstop. Dalton Rushing ('B-') has shown improvement in his first full season as a starting catcher.
Teoscar Hernández earned a 'C+' despite key moments, noting his continued struggles with injuries and average offensive production. Alex Call ('C+') has been adequate as a backup outfielder. Tyler Glasnow received a 'C+' due to recurring injury issues that have limited his availability despite strong performance when healthy.
Brock Stewart ('C+') has faced injury setbacks, while Emmet Sheehan ('C') and Roki Sasaki ('C') are working to find consistency. Alex Freeland ('C') has struggled offensively, and Will Smith ('C') is still without a clear timeline to return from a neck injury.
Veteran reliever Blake Treinen received a 'C' amid an up-and-down campaign and an elbow injury. Kyle Hurt ('C') saw his promising return season derailed by setbacks, leading to a demotion to triple-A.
Kyle Tucker, the $240 million signing, received a 'C-' for falling short of expectations, despite a recent uptick in offensive production. Edwin Díaz was graded 'D', with the primary positive being his imminent return from an elbow issue that required surgery.
Hyeseong Kim received a 'D', largely remaining in triple-A. Kiké Hernández, Blake Snell, and Evan Phillips received 'Inc' for incomplete due to injuries and their recent returns to the active roster.
Manager Dave Roberts received an 'A' for keeping the team on track and reaching the 1,000-win milestone in record time. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman earned an 'A-' for assembling a roster with significant talent and depth, despite the early struggles of some key acquisitions.