Perhaps the biggest name that could be moved this offseason is Rangers superstar shortstop Corey Seager. Texas is reportedly looking to slash payroll, and opposing teams are circling like sharks in the water — including the Atlanta Braves.
“The question is whether the club has any interest in furthering discussions,” Grant writes. “According to two people with knowledge of the conversations, several deep-pocketed teams, including the Boston Red Sox, have noted the Rangers’ financial approach to the winter and have expressed interest in Seager this offseason. While the Rangers have noted the interest and haven’t explicitly said he’s unavailable, they haven’t engaged in deeper discussions.
“Other teams that have inquired include Atlanta and the New York Yankees.”
Corey Seager comes with a massive contract attached to him — six years, $189 million — but we’re talking about a top-10 player in baseball over the last several years. Since 2022, he’s launched 117 home runs with an .872 OPS, all while playing elite defense at shortstop. He’s also been a nightmare for opponents in October, winning two World Series MVPs and an NLCS MVP — the latter coming at the Braves’ expense back in 2020.
Seager might be the best shortstop in the sport, and that’s a position that has been an undeniable black hole in Atlanta since Dansby Swanson left for Chicago. Going from Nick Allen to Corey Seager would feel like a fever dream, instantly pushing the Braves back into the conversation with the National League’s elite.
But as always, it takes two to tango. Right now, the Rangers appear more interested in a re-tool than a rebuild. They don’t seem like a club eager to part with one of the best players in baseball. Still, Seager is absolutely a name worth monitoring the rest of the offseason and beyond. He’s a perfect fit in Atlanta, and the Braves have the resources to get something done if Texas ever opens that door.