The Boston Red Sox could emerge as a potential suitor for Texas Rangers star shortstop Corey Seager if the Rangers decide to become sellers before the MLB trade deadline, according to a new report that suggests Boston previously explored a deal for the five-time All-Star.
With the Red Sox continuing to search for more offensive firepower, Seager’s name has resurfaced as one of the biggest potential trade targets should Texas fall out of postseason contention over the coming weeks.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Rangers are not actively shopping Seager and remain committed to making a playoff push. However, if the club continues to struggle before the trade deadline, team officials could begin internal discussions about whether moving the veteran shortstop is the best long-term decision.
Rosenthal described this year’s deadline as something of a “last call” for Texas to consider a blockbuster trade involving Seager, noting that several teams including the Red Sox contacted the Rangers about his availability during the previous offseason.
At that time, Texas reportedly made it clear that it would only entertain offers if another club presented an overwhelming package of talent in return.
Since then, Seager has endured one of the most difficult offensive stretches of his career.
The two-time World Series champion has appeared in 51 games this season, batting just .182 with a .292 on-base percentage and a .374 slugging percentage. He has hit 10 home runs, driven in 25 runs, and posted a .667 OPS well below the elite production that has defined much of his career.
His season was further interrupted when he was placed on the injured list on July 1, adding another layer of uncertainty to his value ahead of the trade deadline.
Despite those struggles, Seager remains one of baseball’s most accomplished offensive shortstops when healthy.
Just one season ago, he produced at an elite level, recording a 6.1 WAR despite appearing in only 102 games. During that campaign, he hit .271 with a .373 on-base percentage, a .487 slugging percentage, 21 home runs, 19 doubles and 50 RBIs, demonstrating the type of middle-of-the-order production few shortstops can match.
That track record is one reason Boston could once again consider pursuing him.
The Red Sox have spent much of the season searching for additional power in their lineup while also dealing with uncertainty at shortstop because of Trevor Story’s recurring injury issues. Although Seager has battled injuries himself throughout his career, his offensive ceiling makes him an intriguing option for a club hoping to strengthen its playoff chances.
Earlier this season, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that Boston had informed rival teams it was actively looking to add offense and was willing to absorb significant salary in the right deal.
Those comments have fueled speculation that the Red Sox could pursue another high-profile bat if they remain in postseason contention.
Boston has strengthened its position considerably in recent weeks, winning 10 of its last 12 games to climb back into the American League Wild Card race. Entering Thursday, the club sat just three games out of a playoff spot, making the front office increasingly likely to explore major additions before the deadline.
Financial considerations, however, could complicate any pursuit of Seager.
The 31-year-old still has five seasons remaining on the 10-year, $325 million contract he signed with Texas before the 2022 season, with an average annual salary exceeding $31 million.
Rosenthal indicated that if the Rangers eventually decide to move Seager, they may need to absorb a portion of the remaining contract to make a deal more attractive to potential buyers.
Boston possesses one of Major League Baseball’s stronger farm systems, giving it the prospect depth necessary to construct a competitive trade package. Still, the Red Sox would likely weigh Seager’s injury history, long-term financial commitment and current production before making a serious offer.
For now, the Rangers remain focused on competing for a postseason berth and have shown no indication they are prepared to part with one of the franchise’s cornerstone players. But if Texas slips further in the standings over the next several weeks, Corey Seager could quickly become one of the most closely watched names on the trade market, with Boston expected to be among the teams monitoring the situation closely.
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