Let's Set Odds: Where Will Corey Seager Play Next?
By Thomas Snodgrass
A National League Rookie of the Year Award, two Silver Sluggers, an NLCS MVP, a World Series MVP, and 2020 World Series Championship.
Shortstop Corey Seager has done a lot in a Dodgers uniform, but Seager’s days in Dodger Blue may be over as he has entered free agency for the first time in his career.
The only thing working against Seager in free agency is his well-known injury history. The last thing any franchise wants is to pay too much for the next Troy Tulowitzki. He can bat .300 with 30 home runs and drive in 100 RBI while playing a premium position if he is playing.
The 27-year old shortstop is going to demand a large contract, but which team will give him the lucrative offer?
WynnBET Sportsbook doesn’t have odds listed for Seager’s next destination, so let’s set odds for the shortstops’ next employer.
Los Angeles Dodgers (-110)
It’s amazing what Seager has done for the Dodgers in such a short time, and the fanbase would certainly hate to see him go.
With an aging Justin Turner at third base, it may be in Los Angeles’ best interests to keep the left-handed swinging infielder around. Justin Turner has just one more year on his deal, and Seager could be the long-term answer at the hot corner for the Dodgers.
Trea Turner was added at the deadline this past July, and a left-side of the infield of Seager at third and Turner at short would be the envy of all MLB franchises.
New York Yankees (-110)
No team in baseball can move money around like the New York Yankees.
While their payroll already has a commitment of over $200 million dollars, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman never seems to shy away from flirting with the MLB’s Luxury Tax threshold.
New York brought in big names at the deadline, such as Anthony Rizzo (now a free agent) and Joey Gallo, but with Gleyber Torres a better fit at second base, they could bring in another blockbuster name like Seager to fill a more demanding position.
Philadelphia Phillies (+450)
The Phillies have a strong foundation with Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto that could use one more piece to get them over the hump.
The NL East is up for grabs, and Philadelphia should go out and grab it. GM Dave Dombrowksi is never afraid to make a big move, like one that could bring in a player of Seager’s caliber, and the Phillies could certainly use an upgrade over Didi Gregorius at short.
A lineup that features J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins, Bryce Harper, and Corey Seager would be one of the most intimidating in the National League.
Miami Marlins (+600)
Like I said, the NL East is up for grabs.
The Atlanta Braves won the division, and the World Series, as an 88-win team.
Miami has developed one of the best young pitching staffs in baseball, anchored by Sandy Alcantara, Trevor Rogers, Pablo Lopez, and Elieser Hernandez. Now, they could use some run support.
The Marlins have just a little over $42 Million dollars on the books for 2022, so there should be some flexibility in the payroll. Miami bringing in a big fish like Seager would be such a major move by GM Kim Ng. A move like that would put the Marlins in the postseason conversation.
Washington Nationals (+800)
We’re staying in the NL East.
The Nationals still have the pieces to be a winning club, with Juan Soto, Josh Bell, and Stephen Strasburg (if healthy) still in the fold. After dealing Trea Turner to LA, Washington could help Soto in the lineup by bringing the shortstop on board.
Seager is from not-too-distant Charlotte, North Carolina, and could view it as a homecoming of sorts. It would be even more of a homecoming if the Nationals signed Corey’s brother, Kyle Seager, to play third base as well.
Seager’s agent Scott Boras has had a great relationship with Washington GM Mike Rizzo in the past, working on deals with fellow clients Anthony Rendon, Stephen Strasburg, and Josh Bell, and others.
Chicago Cubs (+1000)
The Cubs are a big spender in the National League, and they just shredded their payroll in 2021. Chicago shipped out Kris Bryant, Javy Baez, and Anthony Rizzo.
Does it make sense to go out and sign one of the highest-demanding names on the market in 2022? No, but the Cubs could have Seager as a young veteran to build around and could accelerate their rebuild.