The Dodgers have a number of free agents, however, perhaps none more valuable than shortstop Corey Seager. Seager is still just 27 years old and in the midst of his prime. Despite dealing with a hand injury that limited him to just 95 games in 2021, he still hit over .300 with .394 OBP and 16 home runs.
At his best, Seager is a high average and on-base guy who will hit you over 20 home runs and plays decent defense at a very high-volume position. He is a two-time all-star and probably would have earned a third in 2021 had he not missed the middle of the campaign because of the injury.
There is no question that the 27-year-old is in line for a huge payday. The question is, where will Corey Seager end up. The free-agent has a number of notable suitors, but there are three organizations that stand out as likely landing spots.
New York Yankees
The Yankees are going to be linked to just about every top shortstop on the market this offseason. However, many believe Seager is their top priority.
The Yankees love left-handed bats given the short right-field wall which makes for a left-handed hitter’s dream. We could realistically see Seager turn into a 30-plus home run hitter in New York.
The general belief is that the Yankees are bound to sign at least one of the free-agent shortstops on the market given that GM Brian Cashman expressed a desire to upgrade at the position. It is a long list that includes stars such as Trevor Story and Carlos Correa.
But Seager is expected to command over $200 million and that is the kind of price New York would be willing to play. Also, he is used to the bright lights. While New York and Los Angeles are on opposite sides of the country, they both bring a lot of pressure and expectations which Seager has dealt with for the entirety of his MLB career playing in LA.
Imagine a lineup that features Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Joey Gallo, D.J. LeMahieu, and Corey Seager? That would bring a whole new meaning to the term “Bronx Bombers.”
Texas Rangers
The Rangers? Really?
Yes, it is believed that the Texas Rangers will be pursuing Corey Seager in free agency. MLB insider Jon Morosi sent out this Tweet in regards to the Rangers-Seager possible fit, “Sources: #Rangers officials have met with Scott Boras, the agent for free agent Corey Seager (among others). Seager is known to have a strong relationship with Texas manager Chris Woodward, dating back to their time with the Dodgers, as @Feinsand wrote today.”
The Rangers are always a difficult team to predict. Some years, they find themselves in the middle of a postseason race while other years they are battling to stay out of the cellar. However, improvement is the main goal following last season’s 60-102 finish.
Seager would provide Texas with a true franchise talent and a player they could build around. There is a possibility that the Rangers would prefer to move Seager to one of the other infield positions given that current shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game right now. Regardless, the Rangers would not mind offering Seager as much money as possible to help the organization turn its fortunes around.
The question is, would Seager be willing to deal with another season or two of rebuilding in the Lonestar state?
Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite the struggles for Trea Turner in the playoffs this past season, the Dodgers still love him as a player. But LA would not mind bringing back Seager if the price is right.
There will be financial concerns, but MLB is currently in flux as they attempt to figure out a new CBA agreement. Whatever ends up happening with that deal could play a major role in the 2021 free-agent class from a financial perspective.
With the possibility of the designated hitter being added to the National League in 2022, the Dodgers realistically could have a roster that includes Seager, Trea Turner, Justin Turner, and Gavin Lux. Lux could become the everyday second baseman, Trea Turner could slide over to shortstop, Seager could transition to third, and Justin Turner could be entrenched into the DH role.
LA could also opt to keep Trea at second and Seager at short. Any way you slice it, the Dodgers have options if they re-sign Seager.
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