With MLB on the cusp of entering a lockout due to the collective bargaining agreement expiring Wednesday, activity in MLB free agency has picked up considerably over the past few days. Several top players have come off the board, including Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Javier Baez.
Seager received a 10-year, $325 million contract from the Texas Rangers, which is the largest of the offseason thus far in terms of total value. His reported signing marks the end of a near decade-long stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The 27-year-old was limited to 95 games this year because of a right hand fracture, but he still hit a solid .306/.394/.521 with 22 doubles, 16 home runs and 57 RBI.
Prior to the start of the 2021 season, the Dodgers approached Seager with a long-term contract extension that he rejected in Spring Training, via David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
“The Dodgers were pursuing Seager all the way back to Spring Training. Corey Seager turned down an eight-year, $250 million extension from the Dodgers in Spring Training. He was parlaying his World Series MVP into what he thought would be a big 2021. He unfortunately broke his hand and only played 90-something games. The Dodgers then went out and got some insurance in Trea Turner, and all of a sudden [Seager] was thinking, ‘Oh, wait a minute. I really want to stay. I really want to stay.’ I just think this is what happens with Scott Boras clients.”
Seager turning down the Dodgers’ lucrative contract extension wound up being a financially prudent decision as he received two more guaranteed years and an additional $75 million from the Rangers.
With Seager no longer in the picture, the Dodgers are expected to fill the void at shortstop by moving Trea Turner back to his original position for the 2022 season.
Barring any changes with a new CBA, L.A. will receive a compensation pick after the fourth round in the 2022 MLB Draft due to extending Seager the $18.4 million qualifying offer that he declined before proceeding with free agency.
Seager part of free agent haul for Rangers
The Rangers’ signing of Seager capped off a busy stretch as the club previously agreed to deals with Semien, Jon Gray and Kole Calhoun.
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