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The Boston Red Sox have already made a significant move this offseason, but could another major acquisition be on the horizon? On Friday, Boston surprised the baseball world by agreeing to a four-year, $58 million contract with former Milwaukee Brewers power hitter Jake Bauers. Bauers is expected to fill an immediate need, primarily serving as the team's designated hitter.
While offensive upgrades have dominated offseason discussions, the shortstop market has also been a hot topic. Boston showed interest in several shortstops ahead of the trade deadline, including Elly De La Cruz, Zach Neto, CJ Abrams, and Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers. Now, Seager's name has resurfaced as a potential trade candidate, with Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News suggesting Boston as a possible destination.
Grant believes the Rangers have motivation to create payroll flexibility and that a market for Seager exists, albeit a small one. He identified Atlanta and the Dodgers as strong potential fits, and noted that if the Yankees get involved, the Red Sox likely would too. This isn't the first time Grant has linked Boston to Seager; on November 10, he listed five possible landing spots for the shortstop, including the Red Sox.
With a Rangers insider mentioning Boston twice this offseason and the Red Sox's documented interest in Seager over the past year, speculation is mounting. Should Boston make a serious push for the star shortstop? While a player like De La Cruz might be a higher priority if available, Seager would provide a substantial boost at one of the game's most critical positions.
Even in what was considered a down year by his standards, Seager posted 3.1 WAR with 20 home runs and 51 RBIs in 102 games. He recorded 6.1 WAR in 2025 and 5.2 WAR in 2024, and he hasn't hit fewer than 20 homers in a season since 2021. He has five years remaining on his contract.
However, several hurdles exist. Seager is 32 years old and is owed over $31 million annually for the next five years. Additionally, his 10-and-5 rights give him a full no-trade clause. ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reported that Seager would be open to waiving that clause for the right situation, but it's unclear if Boston qualifies. The financial commitment and injury concerns make a deal complicated unless the Rangers include cash.
On the positive side, acquiring Seager likely wouldn't cost top prospect Franklin Arias, whereas a trade for De La Cruz certainly would. Offensively, Seager would be a valuable addition, but significant barriers remain.
Key Analysis
The Red Sox's interest in Corey Seager reflects their desire to upgrade the shortstop position with a proven slugger. While Seager's contract and no-trade protection present challenges, his track record of consistent power and high WAR makes him an attractive target. Boston must weigh the cost in prospects and dollars against the potential offensive boost, especially with other options like De La Cruz potentially available. As the offseason progresses, the Red Sox's pursuit of Seager could become one of the most compelling storylines to watch.