Manny Machado says what Dodgers fans already knew about Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw was recently selected for his 11th All-Star Game, joining four of his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates in Atlanta for the festivities. He was chosen with the "Legend Pick" for his body of work over his 18-year career — he secured his 3,000th strikeout on July 2, becoming just the fourth lefty pitcher in MLB history to do so.

Kershaw's spot in the game is well-deserved, and even the Dodgers' rivals know it. San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado heaped praise on the pitcher for yet another All-Star selection at this stage of his career.

"He was the best, it was an honor to play behind him, watch him grow," Machado said at All-Star media day on June 14. ". . .What a competitor. He's a Hall of Famer for sure."

Kershaw and Machado are rivals now, but the two were briefly teammates in the second half of the 2018 season when they went all the way to the World Series together. Machado was only a trade deadline rental, and he signed with the Padres shortly after LA's Fall Classic loss. Still, Kershaw had an impact on him.

Manny Machado praises Clayton Kershaw, his former Dodgers teammate, for making his 11th All-Star Game

Machado's testament that Kershaw is a Hall of Famer may be an understatement. Not only has he lasted 18 seasons in the big leagues, but he's won two World Series and three NL Cy Young Awards, including in 2014 when he was also voted NL MVP. He's earned MVP votes in five other seasons. He also won the NL pitching Triple Crown, a Gold Glove, and the ERA title five times. Kershaw may go into the Hall on his first ballot.

Dodgers and National League All-Star team manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Kershaw will pitch in the second inning of the June 15 Midsummer Classic. He'll face two batters - a small, but understandable number, given LA's pitcher injury issues throughout this season.

Kershaw's selection as the NL's Legend Pick could mean this is his last All-Star Game before he hangs up the spikes. If he doesn't retire after this season, Kershaw will be 38 on Opening Day 2026, which is on the older side for a pitcher, but plenty of icons have pitched well into their 40s. Kershaw has been cryptic about his career plans after 2025, and MLB may see the writing on the wall.

Whether it's his last All-Star selection or not, Dodger and MLB fans alike should relish a chance to see a legend of Kershaw's caliber in the game. Machado surely will from third base.