Dodgers 2026 first-half report card: Wider range of grades than you’d think

So far, so good in the Dodgers’ pursuit of a third-straight World Series title.

The team became the first defending champion to hold the best record at the All-Star break since 2010. Their 11 ½ game lead in the National League West is more than twice as large as any other division (and that’s after they gave three games back by getting swept by the Diamondbacks last week).

Their offense ranks first in the majors in OPS and third in runs scored. Their pitching is third in ERA and first in WHIP. Their defense is first in fielding percentage and third in defensive runs saved.

And they’ve done it all despite key injuries in their lineup, rotation and bullpen.

Despite all that, there was still plenty of variance in our first-half report card for the club, signifying the ways the Dodgers can still get better between now and the postseason.

Shohei Ohtani: A

The only reason this isn’t an A+ is because of some lingering injury concerns. Outside of that, Ohtani has been superb in his return to a full-time two-way role (fifth in MLB in OPS, second in ERA*) and is well on his way to his fifth MVP. (*Among pitchers with 80 innings).

Justin Wrobleski: A

Relative to expectations, no one has had a better year thus far than Wrobleski. He leads the rotation in wins (10-2 record), trails only Ohtani in ERA (2.69) and has started striking out more hitters of late (as epitomized by his historic All-Star Game outing).

Andy Pages: A-

Even after coming back to earth following his scorching start, it was a dream first half for the Dodgers’ latest homegrown success story. He has earned a first All-Star selection, a bump up the batting order and deserved recognition as one of the best defensive center fielders in the sport.

Freddie Freeman: A-

The 36-year-old was hopeful of having a healthy, bounce-back season, and has indeed delivered at both the plate (top-10 in the NL in wRC+) and defensively (with one of his more consistent performances at first in years). All that’s missing: His annual goal of a .300 batting average (it’s currently .290). 

Max Muncy: A-

It was a deserved return to the All-Star Game for the 35-year-old third baseman, who is hitting above .250 for the first time since 2019 with 17 home runs. If only all those long balls had equated to more than 40 RBIs.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto: A-

The reigning World Series MVP has cemented himself as the team’s rotation ace. Now, he’s looking to find another level as he aims to repeat last October’s postseason dominance.

Alex Vesia: A-

The left-hander has the lowest ERA in the Dodgers’ bullpen (2.27) and the best rate of stranding inherited runners (87%). If there’s a fire to put out, he’s been the No. 1 option.

Tanner Scott: B+

It hasn’t been a perfect season from the former $69 million signing (five blown saves plus losses). But after last year’s nightmare debut campaign, he has re-established himself as a –– mostly –– trustworthy high-leverage option.

Edgardo Henriquez: B+

Somewhat overlooked thus far, Henriquez is quietly looking like one of the majors’ better relievers, finally finding consistent command (and performance with a 2.29 ERA) to go with his 100.6 mph fastball (second-hardest in MLB after Mason Miller).

Will Klein: B+

Last year’s World Series savior has cemented a full-time job at the back end of the team’s bullpen, joining Henriquez as a leverage option from the right side. 

Miguel Rojas: B+

In what is expected to be his final MLB season, Rojas continues to contribute in his part-time role. Among those with 100 at-bats, his .290 trails only Ohtani for the team lead. 

Tommy Edman: B+

It’s been a small sample, but Edman has looked rejuvenated since making his long-awaited return from offseason ankle surgery. A nice mid-season addition to lengthen the team’s lineup.

Jack Dreyer: B

A fine second season so far for the former undrafted left-hander, providing important depth that can be easy to take for granted.

Eric Lauer: B

Every year, the Dodgers seem to find someone unexpected to help provide innings. This season, it has been Lauer –– the DFA trade acquisition from Toronto with a 3.12 ERA in seven Dodgers outings.

Mookie Betts: B-

The former MVP was starting to look like his old self in June, before cooling off before the break. His shortstop defense has again been excellent (second among shortstops in defensive runs saved), but finding more consistency at the plate remains the goal.

Dalton Rushing: B-

Emotional outbursts aside, 2026 has been a step forward for the former top prospect –– though he hasn’t been as consistent since filling in for Will Smith in a starting role.

Teoscar Hernández: C+

He’s still primed for big moments (see: his go-ahead grand slam against the Padres). But it’s been another year of injuries and simply average offensive production.

Alex Call: C+

He’s been perfectly adequate as a backup outfielder, though has not hit for as high of an average (.249 since being acquired at last year’s deadline) as the Dodgers would have been hoping.

Tyler Glasnow: C+

When healthy, Glasnow was excellent. Unfortunately –– in the wake of an initially minor back spasm issue that has now dragged on for months –– that once again didn’t last long. 

Brock Stewart: C+

Injuries have continued to sidetrack Stewart’s return to the Dodgers. At least he’s healthy right now and pitching alright.

Emmet Sheehan: C

Sheehan has started to turn the corner lately, but has a long way to go after an opening couple months marred by poor performance and inconsistent stuff.

Roki Sasaki: C

Like Sheehan, there have been too many stumbles from Sasaki thus far. But he has at least improved since a disastrous spring, and remains in contention for a postseason roster spot (albeit, more likely out of the bullpen).

Alex Freeland: C

Though his defense has helped keep him in the majors for most of the season, the second-year prospect has not capitalized on his opportunities (team-low .631 OPS) and could be demoted when Kiké Hernández returns later this month.

Will Smith: C

A sluggish start offensively has become a secondary concern of late, with the All-Star catcher still not having a clear timeline to return after missing the last month and a half with a neck injury.

Blake Treinen: C

The veteran right-hander was having an up-and-down campaign even before a recent elbow injury. He’ll need to make a strong return to regain a leverage spot in the bullpen.

Kyle Hurt: C

A promising start to his return season from Tommy John surgery has gone sideways and seen him sent back down to triple-A. He should return at some point in the second half.

Kyle Tucker: C-

The $240 million signing doesn’t quite get a failing grade, thanks to a recent uptick in offensive production. But he has fallen woefully short of expectations and has something to prove the rest of the way.

Edwin Díaz: D

Hard to find many positives from his debut season so far –– other than that he is finally on the verge of returning from an elbow issue that dogged him at the start of the year and ultimately required surgery.

Hyeseong Kim: D

It’s hard not to wonder about Kim’s long-term future with the organization. He has been stuck in triple-A most of the year (despite a brief flash of promise in the majors in April) and figures to remain there barring a wave of infielder injuries.

Kiké Hernández/Blake Snell/Evan Phillips: Inc

…for incomplete. Hernández and Snell missed the start of the season with injuries before immediately returning to the IL shortly after their season debuts, though each should be back soon. Phillips just made his return from Tommy John, and is still regaining his footing.

Dave Roberts: A

Roberts has kept the ship full-steam ahead, all while reaching the 1,000-win club in record time.

Andrew Friedman: A-

The signings of Tucker and Díaz have yet to work out, but the overall talent and depth of the roster has put the team in position for another World Series run.

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