The Texas Rangers have lost five straight games going into play on Monday and are in an odd spot when it comes to buying or selling.
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, anything is on the table for them, and ownership would love to move some of the bigger contracts.
"The Rangers, losers of five straight games and six of their last eight, are ruling nothing out," Rosenthal wrote on Monday. "With a lockout looming, owner Ray Davis might look to cut additional payroll. Potential free-agent designated hitter Joc Pederson and reliever Jakob Junis are obvious choices to go. President of baseball operations Chris Young might get a lifetime contract from Davis if he finds a way to move on from one or more of his highest-paid players — Corey Seager, Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi."
The Red Sox are reportedly interested in adding a long-term shortstop, and Seager is under contract for five more seasons. The slugging shortstop has not had a good year, but could thrive in a new setting.
He is a five-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger and two-time World Series champion and MVP. He spent some time on the injured list this season and is hitting below .200 with a .671 OPS. Since 2022, he has 127 home runs and could be a great addition to the Red Sox if he can turn his season around.
However, when looking at the Red Sox's long-term plans, Seager may not be the best fit. Trevor Story is under contract for next season and due $25 million. He is already a candidate to be moved in the offseason after a poor season this year, headlined by an injury. Marcelo Mayer is also on the roster, and with Curtis Mead expected to take over at second base for the next few seasons, Mayer will need a place to play.
On top of that, the team has Franklin Arias nearing an MLB debut. Adding Seager would not only complicate things for Mayer and Story, but also block Arias. Seager is an expensive player, and the Red Sox would be risking a lot on the hope that he can get back on track.