The MLB regular season is heating up, and if you’re looking to place a bet on who might finish with the most wins, it’s hard to look past the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to betting analysts Brad Thomas and Vaughn Dalzell, the Dodgers remain the “best bet” for most regular-season wins this year, comfortably staying ahead of other strong contenders like the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies.
And let’s be honest—when a team has this much firepower and All-Star caliber talent, why wouldn’t they be?
Speaking of firepower, the All-Star Game is shaping up to be a can’t-miss showdown of baseball’s best, and the Dodgers are at the center of it all. First baseman Freddie Freeman and catcher Will Smith—both elected by fans—will join two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani as National League starters. That trio is a big reason why L.A. has been so dominant this season.
If there was ever a team built to chase 100+ wins, this Dodgers squad might just be it.
⚾ All-Star Game Headliners: New Faces, Old Legends, and One Wild Rookie
Now let’s shift gears to the Midsummer Classic, where things are getting spicy.
In a move that lit up social media, Jacob Wilson, the Oakland Athletics’ rookie shortstop, narrowly beat out Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals by a razor-thin margin—52% to 48%—to lock down a starting spot for the American League. That makes Wilson only the second rookie shortstop ever to start an All-Star Game, following Baltimore’s Ron Hansen who started both ASGs in 1960.
And if the name Jacob Wilson sounds familiar, it should. His dad, Jack Wilson, was an All-Star shortstop himself back in 2004 for the Pirates. Baseball clearly runs deep in that family tree.
Nine players in total will make their first All-Star Game starts, adding a fresh wave of excitement to the annual showdown. Wilson will be joined by other newbies like Cal Raleigh (Seattle), Ryan O’Hearn (Baltimore), Gleyber Torres (Detroit), and Riley Greene (Detroit) in the AL lineup. Over in the National League, Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), Francisco Lindor (Mets), Will Smith (Dodgers), and Kyle Tucker (Astros) round out the list of newcomers.
It’s a strong blend of youth, hustle, and fan-favorite veterans, making this year's rosters something truly special.
📍 Dodgers: Betting Darlings and All-Star Anchors
Back to the Dodgers for a second—because they really are that good.
Freddie Freeman, voted in for the ninth time, will return to Atlanta, the city where he built his name from 2010 to 2021. His presence in the All-Star Game, yet again, reminds fans just how consistent and clutch he’s been throughout his career.
Shohei Ohtani may be grabbing headlines for his bat and pitching arm, but make no mistake—Freeman has been the steady anchor of the Dodgers’ offensive machine. When combined with Will Smith’s breakout season behind the plate, it’s easy to see why L.A. is not just contending but dominating.
According to Brad Thomas, “This team doesn’t just win games—they crush teams.” Vaughn Dalzell echoed that sentiment, pointing out that the Dodgers’ pitching rotation, plate discipline, and power hitting make them a "best bet lock" for gamblers looking to cash in on the most wins.
🔥 Tigers Making Noise for the First Time in Years
Meanwhile, how about those Detroit Tigers?
For the first time since 2007, Detroit has three fan-elected All-Star starters. Second baseman Gleyber Torres, outfielder Riley Greene, and slugger Javier Báez have all punched their ticket to Atlanta for the July 15 game at Truist Park. That’s a big deal for a franchise that’s been rebuilding for what feels like forever.
Back in 2007, it was Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, Magglio Ordóñez, and Plácido Polanco carrying the torch. Now, it’s the next generation’s turn—and Detroit fans are finally feeling some hope again.
Fun fact? Báez snagged the final AL outfield spot in the closest vote of this year’s All-Star race, edging out Mike Trout 26% to 24%. That tells you all you need to know about the level of fan engagement and just how competitive this year’s ballot was.
🧢 Other Notables Lighting It Up
Here’s a quick rundown of some other All-Star starters worth watching:
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Aaron Judge (Yankees) returns as a starter for the seventh time, after being the top vote-getter in the first round of balloting. Judge has been a walking highlight reel and remains the face of the Yankees.
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays) continues his All-Star streak and gives the AL a powerful one-two punch with Judge.
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Manny Machado (Padres) is another seven-time selection, bringing his usual flash and swagger to the NL squad.
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José Ramírez (Guardians), Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks), and Francisco Lindor (Mets) round out a deep infield corps that’ll make any pitcher nervous.
The two-phase voting system, which began in 2022, continues to fuel excitement, with fans actively reshaping the rosters week to week. This year’s second phase ran from Monday to Thursday, and the final results brought a mix of veterans, rising stars, and just enough surprises to keep the buzz alive.
🎯 What It All Means for the Postseason
Look, the Dodgers are a juggernaut, and their All-Star representation only confirms that. But don’t sleep on teams like Detroit, who are showing signs of life, or the Yankees and Phillies, who are still very much in the hunt.
The All-Star Game isn’t just a celebration—it’s a measuring stick. And if the fan votes are any indication, the second half of the MLB season is going to be absolute fireworks.
So if you're placing bets or just gearing up for a summer of baseball, keep your eyes on the blue crew from L.A.—they're not just loaded with talent, they’re delivering wins at a championship pace.
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