Los Angeles Dodgers’ Rookie Joins Corey Seager in Team History with Impressive Start

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are known for producing generational talent — and now, in the heart of the 2025 MLB season, another name is starting to echo through the same halls that once welcomed Corey Seager.

Tyler McLain, a 22-year-old infielder called up in mid-April, has burst onto the Major League scene with a torrid pace rarely seen in Dodger Blue. In just a few weeks, McLain’s sizzling bat, mature approach, and polished defense have already made team historians reach for the record books.

And now, he stands shoulder to shoulder with one of the franchise’s most beloved modern stars.

With his 20th RBI in just his 18th big league game, McLain joined Corey Seager (2016) as the only rookies in Dodgers history to reach that mark so quickly. For a franchise that has produced names like Jackie Robinson, Ron Cey, Steve Garvey, Mike Piazza, and Cody Bellinger — that’s elite company.

The Call-Up: Opportunity Meets Readiness

McLain’s rise was accelerated by a series of early-season injuries, most notably to starting third baseman Max Muncy, who went down in April with a lingering oblique issue. The Dodgers didn’t panic. Instead, they turned to their farm system — once again loaded with talent — and called upon McLain, their former second-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of UCLA.

Dodger brass had been high on McLain since he dominated in Double-A Tulsa in 2023. In Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier this year, he was batting .344 with 6 home runs, 19 RBIs, and a .974 OPS in 21 games before his call-up.

Still, no one expected this level of immediate production.

“I was just hoping to contribute and not screw up,” McLain said with a grin during a recent media scrum. “But I’ve worked hard for this moment. I knew if I stayed within myself, I could help this team win.”

An Electric Start: Numbers That Jump Off the Page

In his first 18 MLB games, McLain has:

• Batted .378 (28-for-74)
• Hit 5 home runs
• Driven in 20 runs
• Collected 9 multi-hit games
• Struck out just 10 times while walking 7 times
• Posted an OPS of 1.092

These aren’t just solid numbers — they’re historic for a Dodgers rookie. According to Elias Sports Bureau, only two Dodgers since 1900 have reached 20 RBIs within their first 18 games:

1. Corey Seager (2016) – Seager would go on to win National League Rookie of the Year and later become World Series MVP in 2020.
2. Tyler McLain (2025) – The newest kid on the block is making a case to follow a similar trajectory.

McLain has also become the fastest Dodger rookie since 1950 to rack up 10 extra-base hits in their first 15 games.

Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts: ‘He’s Playing Beyond His Years’

Skipper Dave Roberts, who has seen plenty of talented rookies come through the Dodgers’ clubhouse in his tenure, praised McLain’s maturity and poise.

“It’s rare to see a kid come up and just immediately settle in,” Roberts said. “He’s not overwhelmed. He’s not chasing pitches. He’s playing like a guy who’s been here three years.”

Roberts was particularly impressed by McLain’s ability to deliver in clutch situations. Five of McLain’s RBIs have come with two outs and runners in scoring position.

“He’s already earned the trust of his teammates,” Roberts added. “That says a lot.”

The Corey Seager Comparison: Fair or Premature?

Naturally, fans and analysts have started drawing comparisons between McLain and Corey Seager, who debuted in 2015 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his smooth left-handed swing and calm demeanor.

Seager’s 2016 campaign — when he slashed .308/.365/.512 with 26 HRs and 72 RBIs — remains the gold standard for Dodgers rookies in the 21st century.

So how does McLain stack up?

Early 18-Game Comparison:

Stat	Seager (2016)	McLain (2025)
Batting Avg	.359	.378
HR	3	5
RBI	20	20
OPS	.976	1.092
K/BB	16/5	10/7

If anything, McLain’s early numbers suggest he may be ahead of Seager in pure offensive output. But sample size is everything — Seager did it for a full season, while McLain is just getting started.

Still, the parallels are hard to ignore: both are infielders, both wear calm confidence like armor, and both wasted no time proving they belonged.

Veteran Presence: Mentorship from Freeman and Betts

McLain credits much of his seamless transition to the big leagues to the veterans around him — specifically Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts.

“Those guys have been unbelievable,” McLain said. “Freddie talks to me between every at-bat. Mookie showed me a lot about how to approach different pitchers. It’s a blessing to be in this clubhouse.”

Freeman, who’s in his fourth year with the Dodgers, said McLain reminds him of himself when he came up with the Braves — but with “even better bat control.”

“He’s got the whole field. He doesn’t panic,” Freeman said. “If he stays healthy and keeps working, he’s going to be a problem for a long time.”

Scouting Profile: What Makes McLain Special

So what exactly makes Tyler McLain such a dangerous hitter?

Here’s what scouts and analysts are seeing:

1. Plate Discipline

McLain rarely chases pitches out of the zone. His chase rate is under 18%, well below league average.

2. Bat Speed & Contact Quality

His average exit velocity of 91.4 mph is impressive for a rookie. His barrel rate (12%) and hard-hit rate (45%) are also in elite territory.

3. Spray Hitter with Power

Unlike many young sluggers, McLain doesn’t try to pull everything. His spray chart shows a healthy mix of opposite-field doubles and up-the-middle line drives — making defensive shifts ineffective.

4. Smooth Infield Glove

Though a natural shortstop, McLain has looked equally comfortable at third and second base. He’s already made several highlight-reel plays, showcasing soft hands, quick feet, and a strong, accurate arm.

Dodger Fans Take Notice: The Next Big Thing?

It hasn’t taken long for Dodgers Nation to rally around the rookie. His No. 38 jersey is flying off the shelves, and chants of “Ty-ler! Ty-ler!” broke out during a 3-for-4 night against the Padres.

Social media has also lit up with praise:

• @DodgersBlueBuzz: “This kid McLain is different. Seager 2.0?”
• @LAKingsFan_22: “Tyler McLain is my new favorite Dodger. Calm, confident, clutch.”
• @VinForever: “I think Vin Scully would have loved this kid. Feels like a true Dodger.”

Looking Ahead: Can He Keep It Up?

Sustaining this level of production is, of course, a tall order. Pitchers will adjust. Advanced scouting reports will deepen. The “rookie wall” is real.

But McLain seems uniquely equipped to handle it. His approach, demeanor, and preparation point to a long-term impact player.

Even if regression sets in, the Dodgers now know they have yet another star-caliber talent in the pipeline.

And if he does maintain this pace — or even 80% of it — he’ll be right in the mix for NL Rookie of the Year, alongside other standouts like Pittsburgh’s Miguel Salazar and San Diego’s Andy Rosario.

Front Office Validation: ‘This Is Why We Draft and Develop’

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was beaming when asked about McLain’s success.

“This is why we invest in player development,” Friedman said. “You never know exactly when a prospect will be ready, but when opportunity knocks, we want our guys to be prepared. Tyler answered that call in a big way.”

Friedman hinted that even when Max Muncy returns, McLain may be too valuable to remove from the lineup.

“We’ll find ways to keep his bat in the order,” he said. “That’s a good problem to have.”

A New Chapter Begins

The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t just win — they evolve. And in Tyler McLain, they’ve unearthed another cornerstone piece of what could be their next great era.

He may not be Corey Seager. He may carve his own path entirely. But the comparison is now part of the narrative — and through 18 unforgettable games, he’s more than earned it.

As the summer rolls on and the Dodgers chase another World Series title, don’t be surprised if the rookie becomes a postseason hero. After all, he’s already joined a rarefied club of Dodgers who made their presence felt immediately.

And if history is any indication, we’re just seeing the beginning.