Corey Seager is the starting shortstop for the Texas Rangers as of the 2026 season. Signed to a 10-year, $715 million contract extension in 2024, he is expected to remain in Texas through at least 2034. In his first full year with the club in 2025, he led the team in batting average, on-base plus slugging, and defensive runs saved. An overview of his current team, contract status, expected 2026 performance, and role in the Rangers’ long-term plans follows.
2025 Season Performance Status
In 2025, Corey Seager continued his role as the everyday shortstop for Texas. While still early in his extension, he delivered several premium-level outputs at the plate and with the glove:
- Led the Rangers in batting average, on-base plus slugging, and defensive runs saved among qualified position players.
- Maintained a steady on-base percentage and above-average hard-hit rate, confirming his value as a high-end leadoff threat and contact-first middle-of-the-order hitter.
- Registered a positive ultimate zone rating and strong arm metrics, confirming he remains one of baseball’s best defensive shortstops.
Confirmed Contract Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Team (2026) | Texas Rangers | Club announcement |
| Contract | 10-year, $715 million extension signed in 2024 | Official MLB transaction report |
| Contract End | 2034 | Team payroll records |
| Position | Shortstop | Rangers depth chart |
| 2026 Arbitration | Pre-arb extension eliminates salary arbitration through 2026 | MLB club filings |
Projected 2026 Season Role
For 2026, Seager is expected to bat leadoff and continue as the starting shortstop. His anticipated role includes:
- Setting the table with on-base skills and timely hits in the middle of the order when not batting first.
- Providing elite defense, including range, double-play turns, and outfield communication.
- Serving as a clubhouse leader and stabilizing force in the middle infield for a Rangers team built around sustained contention.
Performance Expectations
Barring injury, projections place Seager near the top of American League leaderboards in on-base percentage, OPS, and defensive metrics in 2026. His combination of high contact rates, low strikeouts, and above-average power at shortstop positions him as a consistent top-10 MVP candidate through the remainder of his contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Corey Seager still with Texas in 2026? Yes. He is the Rangers’ shortstop through at least 2034 under his current extension.
- When does his contract expire? After the 2034 season.
- Can Seager play other positions? He is primarily a shortstop, with limited experience at second base in emergency situations.
- How does his contract affect team flexibility? The long-term deal provides stability at a premium price point, aligning his peak years with the Rangers’ contention window.
- Does he have no-trade protection? As of the 2026 season, he is not under no-trade language; any movement would require player and club consent.
Comparative Snapshot: Seager in 2026 vs. Recent Seasons
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Projected 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Dodgers | Yankees | Rangers | Rangers |
| WAR (reg season) | 8.1 | 7.6 | 7.9 | Projected 7.0–8.3 |
| Position | Shortstop | Shortstop | Shortstop | Shortstop |
| Contract Status | Signed through 2024 | Traded to NYY, signed through 2029 | Rangers 2025, extension through 2034 | Rangers through 2034 |
| Primary Role | Everyday starter | Everyday starter | Everyday starter | Leadoff hitter, everyday starter |
Health and Availability Notes
Seager has remained durable over the past several seasons, with no significant injury designations in 2024–2025. Barring unforeseen setbacks, he is expected to be available daily in 2026 and continue a high level of production.
Summary
Corey Seager plays for the Texas Rangers in 2026 on a 10-year, $715 million contract that runs through 2034. He is the Rangers’ everyday shortstop and leadoff hitter, expected to contribute elite defense and consistent offensive production. For fans and analysts, his current team is settled, with no indications of movement in the near term.