Last spring Justin Turner regularly received questions over potentially becoming a free agent and the 2020 season possibly being his last with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Turner maintained his focus was on the present and helping the Dodgers win a World Series.
Now Corey Seager finds himself in the identical situation. He agreed to a one-year contract last month in what was his final time being arbitration-eligible.
Looking to keep momentum from an impressive finish to the 2020 postseason that saw him named MVP of the National League Championship Series and World Series, Seager intends to focus on matters on the field.
“I don’t really want to talk about that, to be honest,” Seager responded when asked if there had been contract extension negotiations with the Dodgers or if that was something he was interested in taking place.
“That’s not the focus at all. The focus is right now. We’ve preached for a long time that it’s day to day. We’re showing up and we’re doing everything we can to be ready today. Once games start, try to win a game that day. There’s no other thinking.”
When further pressed on the topic, Seager reiterated he has long believed attention needs to be given to playing and letting other matters develop however they may.
“It’s never been about that,” he said of free agency. “It’s always about showing up that day and doing what you can to help your team. I don’t want the extra effort to have to talk about that in the media. I just want to go out and do my job and let the chips fall.”
Seager in good standing
A big storyline for Seager last season was being further removed from Tommy John and hip surgeries, and with the exception of a brush with some minor back trouble, staying healthy throughout the year.
The shortened 2020 season didn’t lead to any workout changes over the winter, and Seager is feeling like his usual self thus far in Spring Training. “I feel good. That’s the same kind of offseason we’re used to,” he said.
“We’re used to playing late, so regardless of how many games you play, you still have a short amount of time to get ready. It’s very similar to most years. You have your time, you put your work in and feel good in spring.
“You’re just trying to get ready for the year. You’re working on every aspect of your game, you’re trying to get your timing, defense, hitting, baserunning. Every aspect you’ve got to re-figure out.”
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