The Los Angeles Dodgers did not have a representative in the 2022 Home Run Derby, but were tied to two players as Albert Pujols and Corey Seager both agreed to participate.
For Seager, it marked his first time back at Dodger Stadium since signing a 10-year contract with the Texas Rangers this past offseason. “I’m extremely excited to be back,” Seager said of returning.
“It’ll be a bunch of fun. My time here was incredible. I can’t say enough about how I was supported, welcomed and embraced. So I’m very much looking forward to it.”
Seager hit 24 home runs in the first round but was eliminated by Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodríguez, who finished with 32.
Seager is now set to play in his third All-Star Game on Tuesday. “It’s exciting. Not familiar with the other side, obviously, but it’ll be fun,” he said. “I’m very much looking forward to being back, seeing these fans again, and to be able to have that moment will be cool.”
Seager was selected by the Dodgers with the 18th overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft. He spent seven seasons with the organization and made his biggest mark during the 2020 postseason when he earned National League Championship Series and World Series MVP honors.
Seager: Kershaw starting All-Star Game ‘will be really cool and special’
Seager’s former teammate Clayton Kershaw is start for the NL in the All-Star Game, and it’s something the 28-year-old is looking forward to watching.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Seager answered when asked if achievements started to mean for Kershaw as he got older. “He’s done a lot of special things in his career. To be that good for that long, you don’t want to say you ever take it for granted, because he doesn’t.
“He works his butt off, competes every day, and sometimes you get caught up in the moment of what’s going on next, next, next. And when you have kids, you start seeing that different side of how you want them to be a part of it and you almost enjoy it more and stuff like that.
“To watch him and see him start the game will be really cool and special.”
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