Corey Seager: A True Seager Hitting Machine at Short

Corey Seager, an American professional baseball shortstop for the Texas Rangers, has established himself as one of the game's most formidable offensive forces and a defensive wizard. Seager possesses an exceptional combination of power and athleticism, making him a complete player capable of impacting the game in multiple facets.

A Lifetime of Baseball Excellence

From a young age, Seager displayed an uncanny ability on the baseball field. As a high school standout in Kannapolis, North Carolina, he was a consensus top prospect and committed to play college baseball at the University of North Carolina. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers selected Seager with the 18th overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, leading him to forgo college and embark on his professional career.

At the minor league level, Seager quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his impressive hitting prowess. In 2015, he set the Cal League record for home runs by a shortstop with 28. His outstanding performance earned him a call-up to the Dodgers' major league roster later that season.

Breakthrough with the Dodgers

Seager made his MLB debut on August 3, 2015, and quickly made a name for himself. In his first full season, he led all National League rookies in home runs (26), RBIs (72), and walks (60). Seager's exceptional batting skills were also evident in his exceptional on-base percentage (.335) and slugging percentage (.521).

For his remarkable 2016 season, Seager was unanimously voted the National League Rookie of the Year and finished 12th in the MVP voting. He established himself as one of the league's rising stars, renowned for his ability to hit for both power and average.

Sustained Success in Los Angeles

Over the next five seasons with the Dodgers, Seager continued to shine as one of baseball's premier hitters. He played a pivotal role in the team's success, helping them win the 2020 World Series. Here are some notable highlights from his time in Los Angeles:

• 2017: Led the NL in walks (116) and on-base percentage (.406) while finishing third in MVP voting
• 2019: Batted .308 with 34 home runs and 101 RBIs, earning his first Silver Slugger Award
• 2020: Hit a walk-off home run in Game 5 of the NLDS to send the Dodgers to the NLCS
• 2021: Led the NL in OPS (1.069) and finished second in MVP voting

A New Chapter in Texas

In December 2022, Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers, making him one of the highest-paid players in MLB history. The Rangers are hoping that Seager can bring his exceptional hitting and defensive abilities to their young and talented team.

Batting Profile

Corey Seager is renowned for his exceptional hitting skills. Here is a closer look at his batting profile:

• High Contact Rate: Seager has a career contact rate of 85.9%, indicating his ability to make consistent contact with the ball.
• Excellent Plate Discipline: He ranks among the league's elite in plate discipline, with a career on-base percentage of .352.
• Power Potential: Seager possesses significant power, averaging 30 home runs per 162 games.
• Gap Power: He also excels at hitting line drives and doubles, with a career doubles per game rate of 0.25.

Defensive Prowess

Beyond his offensive contributions, Seager is also a superb defender at shortstop. Here are some key aspects of his defensive game:

• Elite Range: Seager covers an exceptional amount of ground at shortstop, thanks to his quick reflexes and lateral movement.
• Strong Arm: He possesses a strong arm with accurate throws, enabling him to make quick and precise outs on balls hit to the left side of the infield.
• Excellent Fielding Skills: Seager has a career fielding percentage of .982, demonstrating his exceptional ability to field ground balls cleanly and make difficult plays look routine.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Corey Seager has received numerous accolades and recognitions for his outstanding performance. Here are some notable achievements:

• National League Rookie of the Year (2016)
• 2x Silver Slugger Award (2019, 2020)
• 4x All-Star (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020)
• Gold Glove Award (2021)
• World Series Champion (2020)

Impact on the Game

Corey Seager has made a significant impact on the game of baseball. Here are some ways in which his presence has influenced the sport:

• Raised the Bar for Shortstops: Seager has redefined the expectations for defensive play at shortstop, demonstrating that shortstops can excel both offensively and defensively.
• Inspired Young Players: As a role model for young players, Seager has inspired many aspiring baseball players to pursue their dreams and work hard to achieve their goals.
• Energized Fan Bases: Seager's electric style of play and infectious energy have energized fan bases and made him a fan favorite wherever he goes.

Key Figures

• Statcast Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): 22 in 2021
• Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR): 11.1 in 2021
• Wins Above Replacement (WAR): 5.4 in 2021
• Career Batting Average: .297
• Career On-Base Percentage: .352
• Career Slugging Percentage: .504

Effective Strategies

Corey Seager's success on the field is not only due to natural talent but also his commitment to effective strategies:

• Laser Focus on Contact: Seager prioritizes making contact with the ball over chasing power numbers. This approach has led to his consistently high contact rate.
• Patient at the Plate: He exercises patience at the plate and waits for the right pitch to hit, resulting in a high walk rate and a better chance of getting on base.
• Smart Batting Approach: Seager uses a combination of line drives, ground balls, and fly balls to create a balanced batting approach and avoid being predictable.
• Elite Defense: His exceptional range and quick reactions allow him to cover a wide area at shortstop and make highlight-reel plays.

FAQs

Q: What is Corey Seager's walk-up song?

A: "Hit the Quan" by iLoveMemphis

Q: What is Seager's favorite food?

A: Sushi

Q: What is Seager's favorite movie?

A: The Hangover

Q: What is Seager's favorite hobby outside of baseball?

A: Golf

Q: What is Seager's biggest pet peeve?

A: Being late

Q: What is Seager's biggest motivation?

A: To win and be the best

Call to Action

Corey Seager serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and baseball fans everywhere. His exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication have earned him a place among the game's elite players. As he continues his journey in the MLB, Seager is poised to achieve even greater heights and create a lasting legacy in the annals of baseball history.

Don't miss the opportunity to witness one of the game's most exciting players in action. Catch Corey Seager and the Texas Rangers in a game near you. Let's celebrate his talent and the impact he has made on the sport we all love.