Over the course of the Winter Meetings, the Boston Red Sox found themselves linked to a wide range of infield options - from big-name trade targets to intriguing free agents and international talent. But one name stood out above the rest: Corey Seager.
Seager, the left-handed hitting shortstop for the Texas Rangers, is no stranger to headlines. With Marcus Semien recently traded, Seager’s name has started to surface in trade conversations - and for good reason.
He’s a proven bat, a postseason performer, and still under contract for six more seasons at $31.5 million per year. That’s a hefty price tag, but when you look at the production, it’s easy to see why teams are calling.
Since 2021, Seager has been one of the most consistent offensive forces in baseball. He’s posted a .283 average and an .893 OPS across that span, averaging more than 25 doubles, 26 home runs, and 72 RBIs per year.
His 142 wRC+ during that stretch puts him in elite company - nestled right between Kyle Tucker and Mookie Betts. Simply put, when healthy, he’s a game-changer.
And that’s the key caveat: health. Seager’s had trouble staying on the field.
Outside of a full 2022 campaign, he’s averaged just 118 games per season since 2021. That durability question is part of the reason why a move - particularly one involving a position change - could make sense.
If the Red Sox were to land Seager, they’d need to shift either him or Trevor Story off shortstop. While Seager has historically graded out as the better defender, sliding him over to third base could help preserve his bat and keep him healthier over the long haul.
So what would it take to bring a player like Seager to Boston? A lot - and understandably so.
Here’s a potential trade framework that’s been floated:
Red Sox receive: Corey Seager
Rangers receive: Brayan Bello, Marcelo Mayer, Anthony Eyanson
Let’s break it down.
Brayan Bello would be the headliner. He’s young, under team control, and has already shown he can handle a spot in a big-league rotation.
For the Rangers, Bello would offer immediate value - likely slotting in as a middle-of-the-rotation arm - and help balance out the financials. Seager’s contract is massive, and sending Bello back in the deal would clear roughly $9 million annually off Boston’s books for the next four years, easing the luxury tax hit.
With the recent additions of Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, plus the pitching depth the Red Sox have built, Bello becomes a bit more expendable - especially if it means landing a bat like Seager’s.
Marcelo Mayer is the big upside play for Texas. He’s one of the top shortstop prospects in the game and is knocking on the door of the majors. If Seager were to be moved, Mayer could step in as the Rangers’ shortstop of the future - a long-term solution with star potential.
Anthony Eyanson, a third-round pick in the 2025 draft, rounds out the package. He may not be a household name yet, but he was ranked 40th overall in that draft class by MLB.com. He’s a young arm with upside, and for a team like Texas looking to stay competitive while retooling on the fly, that kind of depth matters.
Altogether, this package gives the Rangers a mix of present and future: an MLB-ready starter, a top-tier infield prospect, and a young pitcher with plenty of ceiling. It’s the kind of deal that could make sense for both sides - especially if Texas is willing to listen.
Right now, the Rangers aren’t actively shopping Seager, but they’re picking up the phone. If Boston wants to make a splash and add a cornerstone bat to its infield, this is the type of move that could reshape the roster - and the AL East race - in a hurry.