Corey Seager’s 2023 season might not have ended with a championship, but it definitely packed its share of drama, pain, and grit. Unfortunately, after toughing it out through the season and even into the postseason, Seager’s health has officially taken him off the field for the remainder of the year. He’s set for surgery—again. And this time, the stakes feel a little different.
What Happened This Time?
Seager is set to undergo surgery for a sports hernia, an injury that’s been haunting him for two seasons straight. This time, it's on the opposite side of where he had surgery at the beginning of 2023. That’s right, after powering through a demanding season and trying to nurse the injury on his own, the Texas Rangers shortstop has decided that enough is enough. He’ll be heading to the operating room to repair the right side of his groin. But don’t panic, Rangers fans! This surgery should leave him plenty of time to heal, rehab, and be back in full swing when spring training rolls around in February.
If this sounds all too familiar, it’s because Seager has already been through this exact situation. At the start of 2023, he underwent surgery to repair a hernia on the left side of his groin. And just like then, Dr. Venkata Evani, the very same surgeon who performed the first procedure, will be handling this one too. It’s like déjà vu, but Seager is determined to come back stronger. He’s no stranger to adversity, and his ability to bounce back will once again be tested.
Playing Through the Pain
To really appreciate what Seager has gone through, you have to understand the mental and physical toughness required to keep playing despite a nagging injury like a sports hernia. Seager didn’t let the injury stop him. Even though he was dealing with it late in the season, the guy still put up big numbers. We’re talking about a shortstop who hit his 30th homer of the season before hitting the injured list in early September. And it’s not like this was some fluke year either—he’s now had three consecutive 30-home run seasons since joining the Rangers. This kind of consistency makes him a cornerstone of the Rangers' lineup.
But when you’re hurt, even the most reliable players have limits. Seager’s groin injury might’ve allowed him to muscle through 123 games in 2023, but the toll on his body was real. Add in the hamstring strain earlier in the season and a thumb sprain that cost him 10 days, and you start to see a picture of just how much Seager has battled through. It's not just about swinging a bat and making great plays at shortstop. There’s a constant balance between managing pain, staying productive, and knowing when it’s time to call it a season to protect your future.
A Glimmer of Hope for Next Year
Looking ahead, Rangers fans should find solace in the fact that Seager is taking proactive steps to ensure he’s healthy and ready for 2024. This surgery, as frustrating as it might seem, is actually a positive development. After last year’s operation, Seager had to miss most of spring training while rehabbing. He didn’t even take an at-bat in a game until the very last day in Surprise, Arizona. With this upcoming procedure happening now, Seager should have the advantage of getting the surgery out of the way early, giving him plenty of time to prepare for spring training without the rush to get game-ready last minute.
That’s the kind of foresight and preparation a seasoned veteran brings to the table. Seager knows the demands of a full MLB season, and getting his body right is priority number one. And let’s not forget, at 30 years old, he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank.
How the Rangers Are Managing Without Him
While Seager rehabs, the Rangers have had to make some adjustments. Josh Smith has been the primary guy filling in at shortstop, but it hasn’t been easy. Smith has already accumulated 525 plate appearances this season—more than the combined total from his previous two seasons in the majors! That’s a lot of wear and tear on a player who wasn’t expecting to take on such a heavy load. And unfortunately, it’s starting to show. Since August 1st, Smith has seen a noticeable dip in his offensive production. His slash line of .224/.274/.304/.578 over that span isn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard.
To compensate for Smith’s struggles, the Rangers have also given some starts to Jonathan Ornelas and Ezequiel Duran. But the truth is, nobody’s Corey Seager. Seager’s presence at shortstop is hard to replace, both defensively and offensively. His leadership, consistency, and ability to come through in big moments are intangibles that can’t just be filled in by a next-man-up mentality.
Why This Matters for the Rangers' Future
Looking beyond 2023, Seager’s health is going to be critical for the Rangers if they want to be serious contenders next season. It’s not just about what he does at the plate or in the field. Having Seager at 100% means the Rangers can rely on their franchise player to be a steady presence in the lineup day in and day out. It also takes pressure off the younger guys like Smith, who are still finding their footing in the big leagues.
With Seager healthy, the Rangers' infield is much more stable. And given his track record—three straight seasons with 30+ homers—having a fully recovered Seager in 2024 would be like adding a top-tier free agent to the lineup without having to spend a dime.
Recap of Seager’s 2023 Season
Let’s take a quick look back at what Seager did in 2023 before the injury sidelined him. In just 123 games, Seager hit 30 homers, playing 113 of those games at shortstop. His power at the plate has been a huge asset to the Rangers, and even with the injury setbacks, he still managed to put up impressive numbers. But the last two seasons have been marked by Seager missing significant time due to injury. He’s played fewer than 125 games in both 2022 and 2023, which is a trend he’s undoubtedly hoping to reverse next year.
Injury or no injury, when Seager’s on the field, he’s a game-changer. And that’s why the Rangers are committed to getting him back to full health. They know that a healthy Corey Seager is a crucial part of their plans moving forward.
Looking Ahead to 2024
So, what can we expect from Seager next year? Well, if history is any indication, Seager will do everything in his power to come back stronger than ever. He’s a grinder, plain and simple. The surgery this offseason should give him plenty of time to recover and come into spring training fully healthy. With the rehab timetable aligned perfectly for him to start the season strong, fans have every reason to believe Seager will be back to his old self in no time.
One thing’s for sure: when Seager returns, the Rangers will be ready to roll. Having their star shortstop healthy and back in the lineup will be a major boost as they look to improve on their 2023 campaign and make a serious run in 2024.
Key Takeaways:
- Seager will undergo surgery for a sports hernia on the right side of his groin, having already had surgery on the left side earlier this year.
- He’s expected to make a full recovery in time for spring training in 2024.
- Despite the injury, Seager hit 30 homers this season and has had three consecutive 30-homer seasons with the Rangers.
- In his absence, Josh Smith, Jonathan Ornelas, and Ezequiel Duran have filled in at shortstop, but replacing Seager’s production has been a challenge.
In short, Seager’s season might be over, but the promise of a healthy, fully recovered star in 2024 is the silver lining Rangers fans can hold on to. The road to recovery starts now, and Seager will be ready to shine again.
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