Breaking News: After a Poor Season, Former Rangers Player Criticizes $68 Million Star
In the wake of a disappointing season for the Texas Rangers, tension is brewing both on and off the field. Former Rangers infielder and current MLB analyst Michael Young has openly criticized the performance and attitude of the team’s $68 million star shortstop, Corey Seager, sparking major conversation throughout the baseball world.
Speaking during a post-season wrap-up on a national sports network, Young didn’t hold back in his assessment. “When you’re getting paid like a franchise player, you have to play like one — consistently. This year, Corey just didn’t show up when the team needed him most,” Young said. “Stats are one thing, but leadership, hustle, and heart don’t show up on the stat sheet — and that’s where the gap was.”
Seager, who signed a massive 10-year, $325 million deal with the Rangers in 2022, has roughly $68 million paid out so far. While he put up solid numbers early in the season, his performance tapered off as the team slid down the AL West standings. The Rangers, who were widely expected to be playoff contenders, finished under .500 and missed the postseason entirely.
Young also questioned Seager’s role in the clubhouse, saying, “You can’t be the highest-paid guy and be quiet when things go wrong. That’s when you need your leaders the most. I didn’t see enough fire from him this year.”
The comments quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some supported Young’s tough love approach, while others felt the criticism was unfair, pointing to injuries and team-wide underperformance as contributing factors.
Seager has yet to respond directly to the criticism, but sources close to the Rangers organization say the shortstop was “surprised and disappointed” by Young’s remarks. According to one clubhouse insider, “Corey’s not the loudest guy, but he works hard and leads by example. The criticism feels personal.”
The Rangers’ front office has not issued an official statement, but general manager Chris Young (no relation to Michael Young) is expected to address the team’s future direction in an upcoming press conference. With multiple high-salary players under contract and rising expectations following their 2023 World Series win, 2024’s collapse has sparked serious discussions about accountability and leadership.
Baseball insiders speculate that this public critique could mark a turning point in the Rangers’ internal dynamics. “Sometimes, it takes a former player speaking out to shake things up,” said one anonymous MLB executive. “This might be a wake-up call not just for Seager, but for the entire clubhouse.”
As the offseason begins, all eyes will be on Seager and how he responds — on the field and in the locker room. One thing is certain: the pressure in Arlington is rising fast. Will Seager prove the critics wrong next season, or will the tension boil over even further?
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.