Phillies emerge as top suitor to steal Corey Seager from Rangers

The Texas Rangers can't come out and explicitly say that they're looking to trade Corey Seager.

But they're letting the rest of the league know all the same that their veteran shortstop is very available.

How else to explain president Chris Young telling the Dallas Morning News this week that the team will have a "very similar" payroll in 2027 to what they had in 2026 — all while trying to contend for an AL West title?

Coming off an 80-82 finish this year, Texas has plenty of areas at which it needs to improve.

But as things stand, they only have $20 million or so to spend before they hit last year's payroll number.

That math simply doesn't math, which means something has to give.

And the most obvious solution is to get out from under Seager's contract, which still has five years and over $150 million remaining.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, though, actually getting a deal done might be next to impossible.

Finding a contender with a need on the left side of the infield and room to take on all that money is one thing.

Finding all of the above and navigating Seager's new full no-trade clause is another, especially since he seems unwilling to waive it for the best on-paper fit out there.

WHY THE NO-TRADE CLAUSE MATTERS

When Seager signed with Texas a few years ago, the team gave him an eight-team no-trade list.

We still don't know most of the members of that list, but thanks to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, we know at least one: the Atlanta Braves.

Which is a real shame, because few teams find themselves in more need of an upgrade at shortstop, and Atlanta figured to have some money available as homegrown stars like Ozzie Albies and potentially Ronald Acuña Jr. move on.

But somehow, it gets worse for Rangers brass.

Because Seager has now earned 10-and-5 rights — having spent 10 years in the Majors, at least five of them with one team — his no-trade list has now become a full no-trade clause.

Any Seager trade requires him signing off on it, adding one more obstacle to a situation already full of them.

All hope isn't lost, though.

Between some teams we know weren't on Seager's no-trade list to begin with and others that have good reason to be interested, here are six potential suitors beyond Atlanta.

THE PHILLIES EMERGE AS THE FRONTRUNNER

According to FanSided, the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as a top suitor to steal Corey Seager from the Rangers.

The Phillies have a clear need on the left side of the infield and the payroll flexibility to absorb a significant contract.

With a lineup that already features Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber, adding Seager would create one of the most potent offenses in baseball.

The Phillies are not known to be on Seager's original no-trade list, which gives them a significant advantage over teams like Atlanta.

However, the full no-trade clause means Seager would still need to approve any deal to Philadelphia.

OTHER SUITORS IN THE MIX

The New York Yankees are another team that checks a critical box.

Thanks to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, we know that the Yankees weren't on Seager's no-trade list.

And they could certainly use the help at third base.

Seager has primarily played shortstop throughout his career, but a move to third base could be a natural transition as he enters his age-32 season.

The Yankees have the financial resources to take on Seager's contract, and they have a history of making big splashes in the trade market.

Other potential suitors include the San Francisco Giants, who have money to spend and a need for a franchise-caliber player.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Seager's original team, could also be in the mix, though their payroll is already among the highest in baseball.

The Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners are also teams that could make sense, depending on how the offseason develops.

THE RANGERS' PAYROLL PROBLEM

The Rangers' financial situation is the driving force behind these trade discussions.

According to Yahoo Sports, the Rangers could be preparing for a major roster shakeup this offseason, and some of their biggest stars could be involved in trade discussions.

Corey Seager, Jacob deGrom, and Nathan Eovaldi are all potential trade candidates as Texas looks for ways to reshape its roster and manage its payroll.

According to recent reporting from Ken Rosenthal and other MLB insiders, the Rangers could explore moving some of their most expensive players.

However, finding a suitable trade partner won't be easy, as all three veterans have no-trade protection.

Seager would likely be the most difficult contract to move.

The shortstop is owed more than $150 million over the remaining years of his contract, and injuries have become a concern throughout his time in Texas.

He missed considerable time during the 2026 season, although his power remains an appealing part of his game.

At 32 years old, he could still provide plenty of value to a team looking for an offensive upgrade at shortstop.

DEGROM AND EOVALDI PRESENT DIFFERENT SITUATIONS

Both pitchers are getting older and have dealt with injuries, but they remain talented arms capable of strengthening a contender's rotation.

deGrom is owed $37 million in 2027, while Eovaldi is entering the final year of his contract.

The Rangers would have to find teams willing to take on those financial commitments while also getting approval from the players involved.

deGrom previously exercised his no-trade clause to block a potential move to Atlanta, showing just how complicated these discussions could become.