Rangers sweep Orioles to win 2023 ALDS

ARLINGTON — Corey Seager, known for his meticulous nature, approached free agency in the winter of 2021 with a clear vision of what he wanted. Rangers GM Chris Young presented Seager with a plan and a timeline, ultimately leading to the signing of a 10-year, $325 million deal for the franchise shortstop.

“Winning a championship in Los Angeles showed me the impact it can have on a fan base,” Seager expressed. “So, when I learned that the Rangers had never won, I was extremely excited to be part of building something from the ground up.”

The Rangers’ plan is beginning to take shape. Behind Seager’s solo home run and Nathan Eovaldi’s outstanding seven innings on the mound, the team secured a 7-1 victory over the Orioles in the American League Division Series, completing a sweep in front of a sold-out crowd at Globe Life Field.

This win marks the Rangers’ fifth consecutive victory to open the 2023 postseason, matching the longest win streak in the franchise’s Washington/Texas history.

Alongside big-name free-agent signings like Seager, Eovaldi, Marcus Semien, and Jacob deGrom, the Rangers have also utilized their homegrown talent, such as Josh Jung, Evan Carter, and Leody Taveras, as well as strategic trades for Mitch Garver, Jonah Heim, and Nathaniel Lowe.

Seager commended the Rangers for meeting their promises, stating, “They’ve pretty much delivered everything they told me.”

Eovaldi, one of the key free-agent pitching acquisitions, spoke about the importance of a strong pitching rotation in winning championships. He emphasized how the Rangers’ success is partly attributed to their abundance of quality starting pitchers.

Despite consecutive losing seasons in 2021 and 2022, the Rangers’ hiring of three-time World Series-winning manager Bruce Bochy showcased their dedication to turning the team around. Bochy acknowledged Young’s optimism and determination, and now he joins a prestigious group of managers who have reached the LCS with multiple franchises.

Bochy expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m blessed to be part of this team and witness what they’ve accomplished.”

The Rangers displayed a relentless performance against the 101-win Baltimore team throughout the series, excelling in all aspects of the game. Their dominance is evident in their 32-12 run differential, the second-highest in MLB history through the first five postseason games.

All week, the Rangers showcased their resilience, culminating in Adolis García’s three-run homer that sealed the series victory. García, one of the few remaining players from the 102-loss team in 2021, expressed joy in being part of the team’s transformation.