MLB

Clayton Kershaw gets high praise from All-Star starter: ‘He’s a Hall of Famer for sure’

High praise for Clayton Kershaw, who enters this year’s All-Star Game with more nods than any other pitcher in the event. One of his former teammates — now a starting All-Star himself — made it clear just how special it was to play alongside him.

Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts as he leaves the game after a review overturns a call at first base resulting in an RBI single to Brandon Nimmo #9 of the New York Mets, scoring Starling Marte #6 for a 5-4 lead, during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
© Getty ImagesClayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts as he leaves the game after a review overturns a call at first base resulting in an RBI single to Brandon Nimmo #9 of the New York Mets, scoring Starling Marte #6 for a 5-4 lead, during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Clayton Kershaw will be the most veteran player in terms of All-Star Game appearances at the 2025 edition of the event. No other player on the field will boast as many nominations for the midsummer classic as he does. Furthermore, one of his former teammates has unequivocally stated that Kershaw is undoubtedly a Hall of Famer.

The former Kershaw teammate who spoke highly of the pitcher was Manny Machado, who remarked, among other things, that it was an honor to have played with him, referring to their time together on the Dodgers roster in 2018.

“He was the best. It was an honor to play behind him, Machado told Doug McKain. “What a competitor. He’s a Hall of Famer for sure. At his age, what he’s still doing. That’s impressive.”

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How Many All-Star Games Has Clayton Kershaw Played In?

Clayton Kershaw is set to be one of the most seasoned All-Stars at the 2025 edition of the event. With a remarkable 11 appearances to his name, he’s the only player present in Atlanta with more than ten nods. His first participation dates back to 2011.

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 18:  Manny Machado #8, Matt Kemp #27, Alex Verdugo #61, Clayton Kershaw #22 and Chase Utley #26 of the Los Angeles Dodgers, celebrate while waiting for Chris Taylor #3 at home plate, after his solo homerun to win the game 3-2 over the Colorado Rockies during the 10th inning at Dodger Stadium on September 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 18: Manny Machado #8, Matt Kemp #27, Alex Verdugo #61, Clayton Kershaw #22 and Chase Utley #26 of the Los Angeles Dodgers, celebrate while waiting for Chris Taylor #3 at home plate, after his solo homerun to win the game 3-2 over the Colorado Rockies during the 10th inning at Dodger Stadium on September 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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Notably, Kershaw recently returned to the mound for the Dodgers after spending 2024 recovering from an injury. Despite that layoff, he earned his 2025 All-Star nod thanks to being selected as a “legend pick” by the MLB commissioner.

Why Machado Didn’t Continue Playing Alongside Kershaw

After the 2018 season concluded, Manny Machado became a free agent. The Dodgers ultimately decided not to offer him a new contract due to various factors. That marked the end of his playing relationship with Kershaw in Los Angeles, but based on his recent statements, Machado continues to hold deep respect for his former teammate.

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