Rangers Weigh Trades for Corey Seager and Jacob deGrom Amid Broadcast Revenue Uncertainty
The Texas Rangers are facing financial pressure from ongoing broadcast issues, prompting speculation that stars Corey Seager and Jacob deGrom could be trade considerations.
- Glenn Catubig
- 3 min read
As November winds down, trade rumors have intensified around two of the Texas Rangers’ biggest names, Corey Seager and Jacob deGrom. The discussion gained national attention Wednesday after a clip from Foul Territory featuring Dallas Morning News reporter Evan Grant went viral, highlighting the team’s potential need to evaluate all options amid financial uncertainty.
The clip, posted on X (formerly Twitter), drew immediate reaction across the league. Grant explained that the Rangers may have to consider trades as the franchise navigates the ongoing broadcast rights crisis, which threatens significant local television revenue. Fans quickly debated the implications, particularly the possibility that one or both stars could be involved in future moves.
Seager and deGrom are cornerstones of the Rangers franchise, making any discussion of a trade highly significant. DeGrom recently completed a full 2025 season with 30 starts, a 12-8 record, and a 2.97 ERA, while Seager remains a key offensive and defensive leader. Any transaction involving them would represent a major shift in the organization.
The broader concern centers on the Rangers’ local TV revenue, which could fall by more than $100 million if the Bally Sports situation continues to deteriorate. This financial pressure has forced the front office to explore creative solutions, including potentially considering trades for players previously thought untouchable.
1. The Viral Clip and Fan Reaction
The clip featuring Evan Grant quickly sparked league-wide discussion. His comments suggested that the Rangers must remain open to trade conversations involving Seager and deGrom, signaling the seriousness of the revenue uncertainty. Fans reacted strongly, recognizing that any mention of these franchise stars in trade talks is unusual and significant. Social media quickly filled with speculation, with fans and analysts weighing potential suitors and scenarios. While Grant’s remarks were framed as hypothetical, they underscored the reality that the Rangers must consider all options in the face of a shifting financial landscape. The clip amplified scrutiny on the front office’s strategy and its response to the broadcast crisis. The moment highlights how quickly digital platforms can magnify discussions about high-profile players, turning financial realities into hot-button topics for fans and media alike.
2. Trade Mechanics and Player Control
Trading either Seager or deGrom is complicated due to contractual protections. DeGrom possesses a full no-trade clause, allowing him to veto any deal, which gives him complete control over his destination. Seager’s situation is slightly more flexible; he has a limited no-trade clause that blocks trades to eight specific teams, making a move technically possible. However, trading a face-of-the-franchise player remains a monumental decision, both in terms of talent and fan reaction. Any transaction involving these stars would require careful negotiation, considering both player consent and the potential impact on team performance. Even exploring the possibility is significant, reflecting the extreme pressure the front office faces. The complexity of these potential moves illustrates why the Rangers are likely to approach any trade cautiously, even if financial realities push them to at least listen to offers.
3. Financial Pressures and Front Office Strategy
The core issue driving speculation is the uncertainty surrounding local television revenue. The collapse of Bally Sports could result in more than $100 million in lost income, creating a significant financial challenge for the Rangers. This threat has forced management to rethink its approach to payroll. Instead of simply adding talent, the front office is considering creative strategies to maintain competitiveness while managing costs effectively. The possibility of trades for Seager or deGrom, though unlikely in practice, reflects a willingness to entertain all options in the face of potential revenue shortfalls. It also signals to fans and the league that the Rangers are actively addressing their financial landscape. Ultimately, the situation demonstrates how external economic factors, such as broadcasting contracts, can have immediate and tangible effects on roster decisions, even involving franchise-defining players.