Major League Baseball has a new star-quality trade candidate as the Texas Rangers are reportedly fielding and considering trade offers for veteran shortstop Corey Seager. The Rangers previously signed Seager to a 10-year, $325 million contract ahead of the 2022 season, a blockbuster move that helped propel the franchise to a 2023 World Series title where Seager earned MVP honors. With the team facing an uncertain future, the front office is looking into unloading Seager along with the remaining five years and roughly $155 million left on his deal.
Challenges and Appeal of a Trade
Trading the veteran infielder presents several hurdles. Seager enters his age-33 campaign in 2027 following a statistical downturn at the plate this past season, though he remains a productive hitter and fielder. He has also battled injuries throughout his 12-year career, averaging 111.5 games per season over the last four years due to various ailments involving his thumb, hip, back, and hamstrings. Additionally, having spent at least 10 seasons in the majors and the last five with the same team, Seager now possesses “10 and 5” rights, meaning he can block any trade.
Despite these concerns, Seager retains significant appeal for contending teams needing upgrades on the left side of the infield. He continues to post strong quality-of-contact indicators, maintains defensive value with his glove, and boasts a career OPS+ of 135 from the shortstop position. CBS Sports Headlines notes that the Rangers are likely willing to pay down a portion of his remaining salary to facilitate a deal, and Seager may welcome the chance to play for a franchise positioned to contend for a third World Series ring.
Six Potential Landing Spots
Several Major League Baseball organizations emerge as logical candidates to explore a trade for the veteran shortstop.
Atlanta Braves: The Braves reached the NLDS this past season and have made the postseason in eight of the past nine years, yet shortstop production has remained an issue. Atlanta shortstops combined for a low batting line this past year, and top options Mauricio Dubón and Ha-Seong Kim are both free agents.
Boston Red Sox: Trevor Story remains under contract through next season with a club option for 2028, but his performance has declined alongside ongoing health struggles. With an OPS+ of just 75 this past season, Boston has indicated an openness to an upgrade at the position.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A reunion in Los Angeles offers a compelling fit given Seager’s history as a Dodgers lifer and the team’s ongoing success. The Dodgers could install Seager at shortstop and move Mookie Betts to second base, keep Betts at short while transitioning Seager to second, or shift Tommy Edman back into a super-utility role.
New York Yankees: The Yankees previously showed trade interest in Seager, who would likely need to shift to third base given that young George Lombard Jr. occupies the shortstop role. The left-handed hitter could benefit from the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium while providing an upgrade over Ryan McMahon.
Philadelphia Phillies: Trea Turner is signed through 2033 but has struggled defensively at shortstop, leaving the Phillies open to moving him to the outfield. Acquiring Seager would be a notable addition for lead operator Dave Dombrowski as he looks to keep the team’s championship window open.
Toronto Blue Jays: Following offensive struggles that derailed their recent season, the Blue Jays could insert Seager at shortstop or second base. That addition would allow the team to shuffle infielders Andrés Giménez and Ernie Clement, utilizing Clement in a versatile multi-positional role.
Interested clubs will need to weigh Seager’s health history and contract against his proven postseason pedigree and offensive upside as trade discussions continue.
