Los Angeles Dodgers rookie shortstop Corey Seager is part of an influx of young talent at the premier position that’s taken Major League Baseball by storm in recent seasons. Houston’s Carlos Correa was the headliner in 2015, and he’s been joined by Cleveland’s Francisco Lindor and Boston’s Xander Bogaerts, among others.
Correa wasn’t named to the 2016 All-Star Game, but Bogaerts, Lindor, Seager and St. Louis Cardinals rookie shortstop Aledmys Diaz were. In Seager’s case, not only was he named to the National League roster as a reserve, but he also participated in the Home Run Derby.
He launched 15 long balls in an impressive showing that was overshadowed by this season’s leader in home runs, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Mark Trumbo. Seager only got one at-bat in the All-Star Game, striking out on a 100 mph four-seam fastball from New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances.
With a strong collection of talent in one clubhouse, it naturally leads to players marveling at their teammates-for-a-day. Such was the case with Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy tabbing Seager as the best young player at his position, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
“To me, the best defensive shortstop in the league is Brandon Crawford,” Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy said, “but Seager might be the best young shortstop I’ve ever seen. He’s a stud. You stand next to him, this kid is an athletic specimen.”
The ever-humble Seager named Lindor as his favorite shortstop:
“He’s my favorite to watch,” Seager said. “He’s so good on both sides. I like the way he plays, like the way he carries himself. He’s my favorite to watch, for sure.”
In his first full big-league season, Seager is hitting .297/.357/.521 with 17 home runs and 42 RBIs. Lindor is having a fine season of his own, batting .306/.363/.460 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs.
He finished second in voting for the 2015 American League Rookie of the Year Award, which went to Correa. Seager at this stage is the frontrunner for 2016 NL Rookie of the Year, and he’s also entered the conversation for MVP.
