Braves and Rangers match up as trade partners this offseason

The Atlanta Braves were expected to be active this offseason, and GM Alex Anthopoulos wasted no time in getting started, trading Jorge Soler—and the $32 million left on his contract—to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for starting pitcher Griffin Canning. It’s the first of many moves to come, as the Braves enter a pivotal offseason following three straight first-round playoff exits.

While Anthopoulos rarely makes big splashes in the free-agent market, he is known for his adept trading strategies. This offseason, the Texas Rangers could present a prime opportunity as a trade partner. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported that Rangers owner Ray Davis has made it a priority to reduce the team’s payroll below the $241 million luxury tax threshold. If the Rangers are serious about trimming salary, the Braves could find some valuable additions for their roster. Here’s a look at some intriguing possibilities:

1. Marcus Semien

After a phenomenal season that saw him finish third in MVP voting, Marcus Semien’s offensive production dropped, with his batting average and on-base percentage both falling by about 40 points. Nevertheless, Semien still earned All-Star honors and posted a terrific 4.2 fWAR for Texas.

Under contract through 2028, Semien is set to make $26 million for the next three seasons, followed by $20 million in 2028. The biggest question in a potential trade for Semien would be his ability to transition back to shortstop. Primarily a second baseman for the past five years, shifting back to shortstop might be a challenge for the 34-year-old veteran, despite his elite defensive skills.

2. Jon Gray

There’s speculation that Braves pitcher Charlie Morton might play another year, though it remains uncertain if it would be with Atlanta. Should Morton retire, Jon Gray could emerge as a strong option for the Braves’ rotation. Gray, who is on a one-year deal worth $13 million, is a good stop-gap pitcher with similar expectations to Morton’s for 2025. He would provide stability to the back-end of the rotation, while not taking much away from the financial flexibility Alex Anthopoulos has this offseason.

3. Corey Seager

The possibility of the Rangers moving Corey Seager is slim, but if they’re open to discussions, the Braves should jump at the chance to acquire the star shortstop. Although Seager’s 2024 season was cut short by a hernia injury, he was impressive when he played, batting .278/.353/.512 with 30 home runs and 74 RBI across 123 games. An All-Star for the third straight year, Seager remains one of the premier shortstops in baseball.

Seager, who is under contract through 2031, presents a bit of a financial challenge, with his annual salary exceeding $31 million. While there are concerns about his age—he’s currently 31—and the long-term cost of having a high-priced shortstop into his mid-to-late 30s, his performance level makes him worth consideration. A trade for Seager would be a blockbuster move, one that could solidify the Braves’ infield for years to come.

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