Rangers All-Star Corey Seager Addresses Clubhouse Rumors After Semien Trade

Seager denies any 'toxic' relationship with former teammate Marcus Semien, says they had a 'fine' professional relationship.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After the Texas Rangers traded second baseman Marcus Semien to the New York Mets, rumors emerged of a 'toxic' relationship between Semien and shortstop Corey Seager, the two pillars of the Rangers' rebuild. However, in his first media availability of spring training, Seager denied any issues with Semien, saying they had a 'fine' professional relationship as they worked to help the team win a World Series title in 2023.

Why it matters

The Rangers' decision to trade Semien, who struggled offensively the past two seasons, has sparked speculation about potential clubhouse turmoil between the two star infielders. Seager's comments aim to quash those rumors and maintain a positive public perception of the team's culture as they look to build on their World Series championship.

The details

Seager acknowledged there were "things in-house that people don't know about" regarding his relationship with Semien, but insisted "Me and Marcus had a fine relationship. We both respect each other. We were both professional and we knew how to go about our business to try to accomplish a goal." The Rangers' decision to trade Semien was reportedly more about his declining offensive production than any personal issues, as the team looks to get younger and more cost-effective at second base.

  • The Rangers won the World Series in 2023.
  • Semien was traded to the New York Mets this offseason.

The players

Corey Seager

All-Star shortstop for the Texas Rangers who, along with Marcus Semien, was a key part of the team's rebuild and World Series championship in 2023.

Marcus Semien

Second baseman who was traded by the Rangers to the New York Mets this offseason after struggling offensively the past two seasons.

Skip Schumaker

Manager of the Texas Rangers who addressed the team's clubhouse culture in his first meeting of spring training.

Josh Smith

Infielder for the Texas Rangers who praised Seager as an "ultimate teammate" and "ultimate worker."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are things in-house that people don't know about. [Reports] are all speculation. Me and Marcus had a fine relationship. We both respect each other. We were both professional and we knew how to go about our business to try to accomplish a goal. We did that in '23, so you can't take that away from us.”

— Corey Seager (dallasnews.com)

“He does his thing his way, and it's worked for him. So why would you do anything differently than that? Some of the ways he goes about things, we do things differently, but just the attention to detail that he has is unlike anything I've ever seen. It's almost psychotic in my opinion, but in a good way.”

— Josh Smith, Infielder (dallasnews.com)

“He's a really good teammate. He gets this image, I feel like, of being a selfish guy. He's quiet [externally], but he's not that at all. He is the ultimate teammate, the ultimate worker and the definition of a winning MLB baseball player.”

— Josh Smith, Infielder (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

The Rangers will continue to build around Corey Seager as they look to defend their World Series title in 2024.

The takeaway

Despite rumors of a 'toxic' relationship, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien were able to put aside any personal differences to help the Rangers win a World Series in 2023. Seager's comments suggest the team's culture remains strong as they move forward without Semien.