Rangers Yet to Engage in Substantial Talks on Corey Seager
The Texas Rangers are currently assessing their roster while looking to manage payroll effectively. Major discussions have emerged surrounding star shortstop Corey Seager, but the team is not actively pursuing trade options. Key baseball analysts have indicated that teams such as the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves have expressed interest, yet the Rangers do not seem motivated to trade him.
Corey Seager: A Valuable Asset
Corey Seager, a five-time All-Star, is under a substantial 10-year, $325 million contract signed in 2022. As of now, he has $186 million remaining over the next six seasons, at an average of $31 million per year. Despite battling multiple hamstring strains last season, Seager managed to play 102 games and delivered impressive statistics: a batting average of .271, an on-base percentage of .373, and a slugging percentage of .487.
Seager’s Performance Highlights
- Batting line as Ranger: .294/.372/.544 over 1514 plate appearances.
- Walk rate: Career-best 13% in 2025.
- Defensive metrics: 16 Defensive Runs Saved and +4 Outs Above Average.
- Exit velocity: Averaged 92.9 mph; barrel rate at 15.3%.
- Hard-hit rate: 53.6% last season.
Potential Trade Considerations
While other teams have shown interest, the Rangers are not actively shopping Seager. They would require significant returns for any such transaction, including multiple controllable young players. The current payroll projection for the Rangers stands around $169 million, which is $47 million below last year’s figure. Their priority areas for improvement include catcher, first base, and pitching staff.
Luxury Tax Implications
The implications of acquiring Seager are significant for interested teams. The Yankees are approaching a critical luxury tax threshold and would face a hefty penalty if they exceed it. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are about $20 million under the first luxury tier, making any addition potentially costly. The Braves are the furthest from the tax threshold, yet acquiring Seager would signal a willingness to invest significantly in their roster.
Trade Feasibility
Despite various inquiries, the Rangers have not engaged in substantial trade talks regarding Seager. His no-trade clause, effective after the 2026 season, further complicates matters for teams looking to acquire him. Seager’s standing as one of the top players in the league makes any trade both complex and challenging for the interested parties.
The Rangers seem poised to explore alternatives that do not involve trading one of their star players. With a need for roster adjustments and potential for modest spending, Seager’s status will remain a topic of discussion as the season progresses.
