Imagine if Corey Seager had been healthy in 2023.
Do the Texas Rangers have the AL MVP on its roster heading into 2024?
Despite missing more than 40 games, Seager gave Shohei Ohtani a sprint to the finish line for the 2023 AL MVP heading into October. Factor in Seager's postseason stats, and it's easy to see why many expect he'll be a front-runner to win the award this fall.
Regardless of where he ranks among MVP contenders, MLB.com believes Seager is the top shortstop heading in 2024, largely due to his production at the plate.
"Injury has taken much of Seager’s career to this point, but even though he was limited to 119 games last season, it was the finest offensive campaign of his career. In just 536 plate appearances, the 29-year-old slugger led the AL with 42 doubles while smashing 33 homers (equaling his total from the previous year in 116 fewer at-bats) and hitting .327/.390/.623. He finished runner-up to Shohei Ohtani in AL MVP voting despite missing a quarter of the season because of hamstring and thumb injuries. If this guy plays in 150 games next season, watch out — we could see some truly eye-popping numbers." - MLB.com.
Seager led all shortstops in home runs, batting average, OPS, and slugging percentage. His 156 hits ranked fourth, while his 88 runs scored ranked fifth. He also picked up his second World Series MVP after hitting .318 with six homers in the postseason.
Seager, 29, remains one of the top young players in the sport. Offensively, he's a consistent 30-30 hitter who drives in runs in the heart of the lineup. Defensively, he's improved from Year 1 to Year 2 in Arlington, seeing his error rate drop more than 50%.
Seager had surgery to repair a sports hernia last week and is expected all of spring training. The Rangers hope he'll be ready by Opening Day on March 28.
A full, healthy season from Seager could cement his status as the league's consensus top shortstop and should keep Seager among the top MVP candidates.
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