Texas Rangers fans received an early Christmas present this offseason: a clean bill of health for their star shortstop Corey Seager. After undergoing not one, but two sports hernia surgeries in 2024, the 29-year-old slugger proclaimed himself back to full strength and readiness for 2025 at the team’s annual awards gala.
“It’s been a pretty normal offseason, which is nice,” Seager told reporters. “First time in a while. I’ve been able to get in the gym, get in shape again, and just be ready to hit the ground running.”
The Road to Recovery
Seager’s injury odyssey began way back on January 30th, when he underwent surgery to repair a hernia on his left side. The procedure sidelined him for most of spring training, though he managed to recover in time for Opening Day.
Despite the late start, the three-time All-Star turned in another stellar campaign, slashing .278/.358/.526 with 30 home runs across 123 games. But behind the scenes, he was still dealing with discomfort, this time on his right side.
On September 13th, just weeks before the playoffs, Seager went under the knife again to fix a second sports hernia. Amazingly, he returned in time for the postseason, where he put together a heroic performance.
Playoff Hero
With the Rangers making their first World Series appearance in 12 years, Seager rose to the occasion. The sweet-swinging lefty raked to the tune of a .318/.444/.636 slash line, bashing six homers and driving in 12 runs to earn his second World Series MVP award.
“You weren’t as nervous about certain feelings and stuff like that,” Seager said about playing through the injury. “Once the six weeks was over (after surgery), I kind of hit the ground running.”
Poised for a monster 2025
Now with a normal offseason of training under his belt, Seager looks primed to build off his playoff heroics. When healthy, few shortstops in the game can match his combination of hit tool and power.
- Since 2018, only five shortstops have a higher wRC+ than Seager (131)
- His 57 homers over the past two seasons rank 2nd among all MLB shortstops
If Seager can avoid the injured list, the 2020 World Series MVP has a chance to put together a season for the ages. An MVP-level campaign is certainly within reach, and he’ll be highly motivated to lead the Rangers back to the Fall Classic after getting a taste in 2024.
The Road Ahead
Of course, the Rangers will have to fend off stiff competition in the ruthless American League. The Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and ascendant Baltimore Orioles all look formidable heading into the new campaign.
But if there’s one edge the Rangers have, it’s a healthy, motivated Corey Seager anchoring the lineup and infield. The $300 million man already delivered a World Series to Arlington – now he’ll look to secure his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
After an injury-plagued 2024, Seager enters the new season refreshed, repaired, and ready to re-establish his place among the game’s elite players. Look out, American League: a Texas-sized terror is coming for the MVP trophy, and his name is Corey Seager.
