Although the Los Angeles Dodgers are still early into Spring Training, some are already looking ahead to this winter’s free agency class that could potentially include Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager.
Kershaw recently admitted he is unsure what the future will hold, while Seager vowed to not discuss or be distracted by possibly becoming a free agent.
“I don’t really want to talk about that, to be honest,” the 26-year-old 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 asked if he discusses free agency with his players, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made it clear that the topic never comes up. “I don’t breach it. I guess I assume and expect it not to be a distraction,” he said.
“I think that Corey understands where he’s at, but his focus is each day and helping us win baseball games. So that’s certainly not a conversation I’m going to have with him.”
In the event he doesn’t sign a long-term contract extension before the end of the 2021 season, Seager will be part of arguably the greatest shortstop free-agent class that could also feature Javier Baez, Carlos Correa, Trevor Story and Francisco Lindor.
As for Kershaw, he is going to make a decision with his family in mind. One thing for sure is that the left-hander is not planning to retire any time soon. “The ‘I don’t know’ part was not about playing. As far as I’m concerned, I’m continuing to play and feel great doing it,” Kershaw explained.
“What I meant was just like, I’m on a year-to-year basis. I want to re-evaluate at the end of every year and see how we’re doing. As a family, myself personally, where we are as a team, and then just make a decision from there. I have no intentions of hanging ’em up. I’m only 32 and feel like I’ve got a few more years left in the tank.
“If you ask me right now, I really still love playing, I feel healthy, I feel like the ball’s coming out good. I’m excited for this year, and that’s kind of really all I meant. I’m focused on this year and trying to win a World Series. After this year we’ll figure things out.”
Friedman hopeful Seager will be ‘big part’ of Dodgers future
Citing his recent contributions to the organization, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expressed hope that Seager will be with the team for the long haul.
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