Report: Seattle to host 2023 MLB All-Star Game, the first time since 2001

Seattle has been chosen to host Major League Baseball's All-Star week in 2023, according to ESPN, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Plans to bring the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby back to T-Mobile Park are being finalized, according to those sources. 

"There’s no better place to be in the middle of summer than Seattle and you hear this league wide. I’ve got friends from all over baseball who have played in All-Star games and made their debuts in different parts of the country and they’re like, ‘Man, Seattle is literally in my top three, maybe my favorite place to come play,’" said Ryan Rowland-Smith, former Mariners relief pitcher and current major league broadcaster.

MLB declined comment to ESPN and said it would not confirm that Seattle was the choice.

"Any announcement on a location for future All-Star Games will come from Major League Baseball, and not the Mariners," a Mariners spokesperson told Q13 News.

This will be the first time since 2001 that Seattle would host All-Star week - when the stadium was called Safeco Field.

"I missed out on the 2001 and I kicked my butt since then. I said if it ever comes back there’s no doubt where I’ll be," said Sharon Hunt, a long-time Mariners fan.

"Any city that gets the All-Star game is a great thing for the city and for baseball," said Boston Red Sox fan Don Keith before the Mariners game. "I think that makes baseball so much more fun and entertaining than the other sports."

Shannon Drayer, Mariners reporter for 710 ESPN Seattle, remembers reporting at the All-Star game in 2001 when T-Mobile Park opened up that season.

"The Mariners were on their way to 116 wins that season and 8 all stars that really kind of took over that game," said Drayer.

Drayer predicted some of the current players could potentially make the celebrity roster in 2023.

"It’s a young and upcoming team. There’s a reason their farm system is ranked as the best in baseball. And I think by 2023 you’ll really start to see that pay off," said Drayer.

MLB had two future All-Star sites on the books already: Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles next year, and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia during the 2026 season, according to ESPN.

This is a developing story.

Q13 News will have updates as they become available.

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