Sometimes you feel euphoria will happen, but there’s that gremlin that yells that it won’t happen. That was a feeling some Rangers fans had going to bed Sunday night. Texas landed Marcus Semien, Kole Calhoun, and Jon Gray Sunday afternoon to the evening. Everyone discussed the possibility and refreshed Twitter like no one’s business, and then at 3:30 pm, the report came in.
On Monday late afternoon, the Rangers and Corey Seager agreed to a 10 year, $325 million dollar deal including no opt-outs (Jeff Passan) and a limited no-trade clause (Mark Feinsand). In twenty-four hours, the Rangers landed the 2020 NLCS and World Series MVP, the AL Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award winner at second base, and talks remain that the Rangers aren’t entirely done shopping the market. Seager couldn’t follow up his 2020 season last season due to a broken bone in his right hand, which limited him. However, Seager’s career is well documented in the success he had in Los Angeles. Seager hit 104 home runs, a .297 hitter, and a .870 OPS (.777 OPS in 61 postseason games) in his seven years with the Dodgers.
It’s pretty clear and straightforward; the Rangers are not messing around. Chris Young and Jon Daniels said the Rangers planned to spend, and my goodness, they delivered. The Rangers spent 561.2 million dollars in twenty-four hours in four signings and have their middle infield set for at least seven years. With the Mariners upgrading their pitching staffs and the potential downgrade of Oakland and Houston, the Rangers jumped the gun. Here’s a current breakdown of the signings:
| Player | Contract Signing (Years) |
| Corey Seager | 325 mil (10) |
| Marcus Semien | 175 mil (7) |
| Jon Gray | 56 mil (4) |
| Kole Calhoun | 5.2 mil (1) |
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Nick Solak, and Andy Ibanez’s roles will depend on Josh Jung’s status. The Rangers want Jung to start opening day, but Josh’s Spring Training will dictate how that will go. Jung will likely get a bulk of the at-bats (whenever Spring Training is), and I assume Isiah Kiner-Falefa is a super-utility man. Outside of the signings, no one’s spot on Opening Day is locked in. The Rangers may look at a trade in the market to make room and get another player in a possible trade. The club does have to forfeit their 3rd highest remaining pick plus $500k from the international pool to Los Angeles for Seager, and they had to forgo their 2nd highest pick plus another $500k to Toronto for Marcus Semien.
I don’t believe the Rangers finished their shopping (shocking, right?). I don’t think the Rangers go out and get another infielder unless it’s through a trade, but the Rangers still need one starting pitcher at least. Does that pave the way for Clayton Kershaw, perhaps? I think the Rangers need to add to their rotation (they do have excellent but underdeveloped options now). Texas could explore an established outfield option too as well . Also, Texas will need to make room for the four roster spots assuming they don’t sign anyone else. Currently, the club has one free spot on their 40-man and has to make roster maneuvers to make room. Although if you ask anyone, their answer is who cares? Corey Seager is a Ranger.
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