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The Los Angeles Dodgers could not have gotten off to a better start to the 2025 season, starting 5-0. Los Angeles swept both the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs and took care of the Detroit Tigers over the weekend in the team’s home opening series.
MLB made a significant announcement about its biggest star this week when the league’s most popular player jerseys were released.
To no surprise, the 2024 National League MVP, Shohei Ohtani, topped the list.
The rankings are based on Nike jersey sales from the Fanatics network of sites, which includes MLBShop.com, and tracks the sales since the 2024 World Series concluded, which saw the Dodgers reign victorious.
Ohtani is one of six Dodgers to crack the top 20 in jersey sales, and Los Angeles has three of the top four with Freddie Freeman being second and Mookie Betts fourth.
In somewhat of a surprise, Kiké Hernández is sixteenth in the ranking, ahead of one of MLB’s biggest stars, Bobby Witt Jr. The Dodgers’ continued and sustained success is showing up heavily on the list as even though they are in a large market, both New York teams combine for just four of the top-selling jerseys, in comparison to Los Angeles’s six.
Future Hall-of-Famer Clayton Kershaw also ranks eleventh on the list and continues to be a top jersey seller despite limited time on the field the last couple of seasons.
In other Ohtani news, over the weekend, Shohei threw a bullpen for the first time since Feb. 25, as he continues to rehab from elbow surgery.
Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts were both in attendance.
Los Angeles Dodgers brace for impact as World Series MVP Freddie Freeman sidelined against fierce rival Atlanta Braves
Freddie Freeman’s Absence
Los Angeles faces a major hurdle as one of its key players is sidelined. Freddie Freeman, the celebrated first baseman renowned for his postseason heroics, will not be on the field as the Dodgers kick off their series against a formidable Atlanta opponent. His World Series MVP performance has long been a cornerstone of the team’s success, making his absence a significant blow for the squad.
Impact on the Dodgers’ Strategy
With Freeman out of the lineup, the Dodgers must recalibrate both their offensive and defensive approaches. Known for his timely hitting and consistent play, Freeman’s contributions have often been the catalyst for pivotal runs. The team is now challenged to find alternative routes to generate momentum and maintain competitive pressure against an opponent eager to capitalize on any vulnerability.
Rising Rivalry with the Braves
The impending clash with Atlanta intensifies the pressure further. The Braves, a rival with a reputation for fierce competition, add another layer of complexity to the challenge. This series promises to be a true test of the Dodgers’ adaptability and resilience in the absence of one of their standout performers. Every play now carries added weight as the team strives to keep pace in a high-stakes environment.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers adapt to this setback, the road to success will depend on collective effort and strategic adjustments. The coaching staff and players are poised to step up, ensuring that the temporary loss of Freeman does not derail their competitive ambitions. This moment serves as both a challenge and an opportunity—a call for the entire team to surge forward with renewed determination and creative problem-solving in the quest for victory.
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