The Atlanta Braves should make an offer for Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager.
The Atlanta Braves are heading into the 2026 MLB season determined to return to postseason contention. They have the right core in place with right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and first baseman Matt Olson anchoring the middle of the lineup, along with a strong starting rotation headlined by 2024 NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale. That trio provides the Braves with a foundation capable of competing at the highest level, but questions remain about whether the roster is complete enough to make a deep playoff run.
One glaring weakness sits up the middle at shortstop next to second baseman Ozzie Albies. Atlanta did make a trade with the Houston Astros for Mauricio Dubon, giving them a serviceable option heading into next year. Still, relying on subpar production at shortstop is not ideal for a team with championship aspirations. For a contender, every position matters, and the Braves know they cannot afford to leave such a critical spot unsettled.
That reality opens the door for Atlanta to explore upgrades on the free agent market. Ha Seong Kim, who had a brief stint with the Braves in 2025 after being designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays, could be a candidate for a reunion. Another option is Bo Bichette, widely considered the best shortstop available this offseason. Bichette’s bat and athleticism would provide an immediate boost, but competition for his services will be fierce.
Beyond free agency, the Braves could also look to the trade market where one name stands out. Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate. Seager’s situation is complicated by his no-trade clause, meaning he would have to approve any deal. Yet with Texas entering 2026 under a new manager and showing a willingness to move clubhouse leaders, having already traded Marcus Semien to the New York Mets earlier this offseason, Seager could become available. If that happens, Atlanta should make a serious push.
Seager remains a strong offensive force. In 102 games last season, the 31-year-old posted a .271 batting average, a .373 on-base percentage, an .860 OPS, 21 home runs and 50 RBIs. He has also been reliable defensively, providing stability at a premium position. While Seager is under contract for six more years on the 10-year, $325 million deal he signed in late 2021, the Braves have the payroll flexibility to absorb the high average annual value. More importantly, acquiring him would directly address their biggest need.
Concerns about Seager’s injury history are valid, but when healthy his performance is never in question. His list of accomplishments is extensive: Rookie of the Year, five-time All-Star, two World Series championships, three Silver Slugger Awards and two World Series MVPs. For a Braves team desperate to return to the playoffs, Seager represents the perfect addition, a proven winner who can elevate both the lineup and the clubhouse.
If Atlanta truly wants to maximize its window with Acuña, Olson and Sale, solving the shortstop dilemma is essential. Adding Corey Seager would not only fill that void but also send a clear message that the Braves are serious about contending in 2026 and beyond.