Thursday Newsletter time: Texas Rangers pitchers can breathe a little easier. Kyle Seager has retired.
The former Seattle third baseman and Corey's big brother made the surprising announcement Wednesday.
Kyle Seager was unlikely to return to the Seattle Mariners, who in November declined a club option for him to return. He and general manager Jerry Dipoto weren’t simpatico, either, so re-signing for less wasn’t going to happen.
But there was still a chance that the third baseman and notorious thorn in the side of the Texas Rangers would fine a way to jab them some more, and he would be doing it to his younger brother, Corey, at the same time.
Alas, the Rangers can breathe just a bit easier. Kyle Seager has retired.
His retirement comes despite him being only 34 and coming off a season in which he set career-highs in homers (35) and RBIs (101). He has also never played in the postseason.
Seager made the announcement Wednesday via his wife’s Twitter account. He doesn’t have one, the lucky SOB. I checked Corey’s account to see if he had shared any heartfelt sentiments, but his verified account still says “SS for the Los Angeles Dodgers.”
Updating that to “SS for the Texas Rangers” must have slipped through the cracks before the lockout.
Kyle and Corey played against each other despite being in different leagues, thanks to interleague play. They also spent spring training about 15 minutes apart in Arizona.
Kyle started the most games in his career against the Rangers (181) and played against them and the Angels the most times (182 games). He also hit more home runs (37), drove in more runs (121) and had the highest OPS (.879, minimum of 250 plate appearances) against the Rangers than any other team.
Rangers pitchers definitely aren’t going to miss him, but maybe he’ll stop by to watch his brother play in each of the next 10 seasons.
Survey says …
The good folks at MLB Trade Rumors are still cranking out the content, just as the Newsletter is but with 29 more teams to find something to write.
It’s still not an easy task, but MLBTR came up with a poll that might interest Rangers fans: Where will Clayton Kershaw Sign?
The people have spoken, and as of Wednesday night 47.86% believe the left-handed free-agent starting pitcher will re-sign with the Dodgers rather than stay close to home by signing with the Rangers (26.26%). Other and retirement are also receiving votes.
Kershaw, who lives in Dallas, is recovering from a strained flexor tendon that did not require surgery. He is 34 and just became a dad for the fourth time.
There are reasons to stay close to home, including the chance to play with his former Dodgers teammate Seager and be managed by former Dodgers third-base coach Chris Woodward. Woodward has said that the Rangers will find a place for Kershaw if he doesn’t re-sign with the Dodgers.
Kershaw would not cost the Rangers any draft-pick compensation and might agree to come on just a one-year deal.
But players often talk about spending their entire careers with one team, and the Dodgers could give Kershaw that chance. The future Hall of Famer will always be remembered as a Dodger, but that doesn’t mean leaving LA would be easy.
For those wondering, I voted. I think he stays in LA.
ICYMI …
Man, I can’t believe it’s already Thursday. I think Tuesday is the one that sneaked past me. I’m not quite sure how, but it did. If you’ve missed a day of the Newsletter, no problem. Here’s the latest, in case you missed it.
T.R.’s Memories: John Blake — loyal, prickly and no BS
Leading off for the Rangers … ???
The Sunday Read: Actually, 2021 did not suck.
Doggy video!
Me, when someone tries to put away the chips and salsa. Enjoy. See you Friday.
