Rangers Open to Trades as Offseason Begins, Weigh Future with Core Stars

With the 2026 MLB offseason underway, the Texas Rangers are navigating multiple possible directions for their roster, as revealed during the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas. Chris Young, the Rangers' president of baseball operations, described the team as "very nimble," prepared to explore various options to maintain competitiveness while managing a payroll expected to stay near $190 million. This flexibility includes the potential trade of star shortstop Corey Seager, who was the World Series MVP in 2023, as well as consideration of the large contracts held by Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi. The Rangers are approaching the offseason with an open mind, ready to respond to market opportunities as they arise rather than committing to a fixed plan at this stage.

Corey Seager’s trade potential is complicated by several factors. At 33 years old entering 2027, Seager is halfway through a 10-year, $325 million contract that pays him $32.5 million next season. His recent offensive production has declined, with his weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) dropping to a career low of 106 in 2026, following three seasons of diminishing on-base and slugging percentages. Injuries have limited his playing time to between 102 and 123 games annually since 2023, including two stints on the injured list for back issues and elbow surgery after the 2026 season. Additionally, Seager holds 10-and-5 rights, granting him veto power over any trade. Despite these challenges, he showed a notable rebound after returning from injury in late July 2026, hitting closer to his career norms in the second half of the season, which maintains his appeal in a market with few strong shortstop options.

Young emphasized that while the Rangers are exploring the market for possible trades, there is no financial pressure to move their high-profile players. The team’s goal remains to assemble the best possible roster for 2027 and beyond, whether that involves trading one, two, all, or none of their stars. This cautious yet open-ended approach reflects a broader strategy of operating on multiple fronts simultaneously, balancing payroll considerations, player health, and competitive aspirations. The offseason is thus shaping up as a period of potential change, with the Rangers ready to adjust their course based on market feedback and internal evaluations rather than predetermined plans.