While several starting pitchers have already come off the market, Corey Seager, Carlos Correa and other shortstops remain available in free agency.
Marcus Semien was part of that group, but he reportedly came to terms with the Texas Rangers on a seven-year contract worth $175 million. That was the start of a busy stretch for the Rangers, who agreed to subsequent deals with Kole Calhoun and Jon Gray.
Semien’s ability to play second base reportedly had the Rangers still in the picture for a marquee shortstop.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, that includes making a strong effort to sign Seager:
Rangers are making big push for star free agent SS Corey Seager. Nothing done but they are serious. Dodgers love Seager but not known how they will respond. Seager is a priority but they have an excellent Plan B in Trea Turner. @Ken_Rosenthal @Joelsherman1 and @Evan_P_Grant on it
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 29, 2021
The Rangers previously were said to have met with Scott Boras, who represents Seager and Semien, among other notable free agents. Texas has prior ties to Seager by way of manager Chris Woodward, who was with the All-Star shortstop during his time as Dodgers third base coach.
Woodward also has that same relationship with Clayton Kershaw and Chris Taylor, two other Dodgers free agents the Rangers have been connected to in recent weeks.
Potential Seager contract
Although Seager was limited to 95 games because of time missed after sustaining a right hand fracture, he finished the season batting .306/.394/.521 with 22 doubles, 16 home runs and 57 RBI.
The type of contract Semien received in some sense sets a bar for Seager, who presumably will sign for at least eight years and potentially upwards of $300 million.
Along with the Dodgers and Rangers, the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees reportedly have interest in Seager as well. Though, New York was recently said to be in more of a holding pattern with free-agent shortstops and possibly leaning toward Semien.
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