The Los Angeles Dodgers are known for their future Hall of Famers and star-studded lineup, but it’s worth noting that two homegrown talents made the Midsummer Classic for the first times in their career this year.
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Naturally, first baseman Freddie Freeman, who’s playing in his 10th All-Star Game, had some thoughts and advice for the youngsters.
Freddie Freeman is ‘really confident’ in Justin Wrobleski
Justin Wrobleski, a late addition to the National League squad, was lauded for his growth over the course of the 2025 season and what he brings to the team in 2026.
Jun 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) reacts in the dugout after pitching against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images“Last year it was a little bit up and down,” Freeman noted. “There was this point where he gave up what, seven or eight runs against the Nationals early on, and got sent down. He really honed in on what he needed to do to work, came up, and did anything our front office and coaching staff asked him to do. Then in the World Series, what he did in those biggest moments was special.”
Fans, of course, remember Wrobleski’s fiery performance in Game 7 of the World Series.
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But this year, Wrobleski has been truly special.
In the starting rotation, he’s earned his spot, racking up 10 wins before the All-Star break and recording a bWAR of 2.6 after -0.3 and -0.1 in his first two seasons.
“He came into this year, and he hasn’t looked back. Every six days, we have a really good chance to win with him on the mound,” Freeman said. “He’s really starting to figure it out. His strikeout totals have gone up in the last four or five starts, and I feel really confident when he’s on the mound now.”
Andy Pages finally gets his due
Similarly, Freeman praised Andy Pages for his performance this season — though unlike Wrobleski, this wasn’t a case of massive improvement from last year.
May 15, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) is greeted by teammates after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn ImagesInstead, Freeman said Pages is getting what he earned last season as well.
“He should be a two-time All-Star. He’s a special player,” Freeman said. “What he’s done in center field, I think he’s probably the best defensive center fielder, as the numbers say right now. Hitting in between Shohei and I, just setting the table and driving in runs—he’s special. I know this is his first one, but it should be his second one.”
Freeman also had advice for the first-time All-Stars, noting his own first appearance “went by like that.”
“I just try to tell the young guys to take a step back, realize how special this is, how hard you have to work to get here,” he said. “You get to be around the best baseball players in the world for a couple of days, so just enjoy it.”