Braves, Yankees, Red Sox bidding for Rangers' 2-time World Series champion, 2-time MVP, 3X All-Star

Hunter Cookston

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Braves, Yankees, Red Sox bidding for Rangers' 2-time World Series champion, 2-time MVP, 3X All-Star image

The Texas Rangers’ offseason has been a whirlwind. They began by hiring Skip Schumaker as their next manager, then made a blockbuster trade, sending Marcus Semien to the New York Mets for Brandon Nimmo in an effort to manage payroll once free agency began.

“The Mets and Rangers swapped high-priced stars in a trade that sent second baseman Marcus Semien to New York and outfielder Brandon Nimmo to Texas, it was announced Monday. Nimmo, 32, agreed to waive his no-trade clause to allow the deal to be consummated. The left-handed hitter's tenure with the Mets started when they chose him with the 13th overall pick in the 2011 draft,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

With Semien gone, Corey Seager has emerged as a key name of interest around the league. The Atlanta Braves could pursue him in a deal if they choose.

“While he’s going to require shipping off some talent, the Braves should be able to leverage the salary they would be taking on to give up fewer players. They could also leverage assets to get the Rangers to retain some salary to avoid taking on all of it,” SI’s Harrison Smajovitts wrote. “Seager is a two-time World Series MVP, winning his first with the Dodgers in 2020 and his second with the Rangers in 2023.”

However, Atlanta faces stiff competition from the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox for Seager as well.

“The question is whether the club has any interest in furthering discussions,” Rangers beat writer Evan Grant wrote. “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.”

The Braves are actively seeking a shortstop, even after acquiring Mauricio Dubon in a trade. Seager remains one of the top players in the league, and if Atlanta can make a deal, they are expected to go all out.

Beating out multiple teams will be a challenge, especially if the Rangers demand a player that GM Alex Anthopoulos isn’t willing to part with. Landing Seager in Atlanta would inject new energy into the clubhouse.

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