3 Rangers on the Nice List (& 2 on the Naughty List) This Christmas
By Evan Starr
Nice: Corey Seager
Not only did he win World Series MVP in the franchise's first title, but Corey Seager completely changed the trajectory of this organization from the moment he signed in 2021.
The narrative surrounding the Rangers did a complete 180 the second Seager put pen to paper. The hope, expectations, and outlook towards the future all of a sudden were positive. The light at the end of the tunnel was bright and little did we know it would just take two years to reach the top of the baseball world.
He is the best offensive shortstop in the game. was the best player in the American League last year not named Shohei Ohtani, hit the biggest home run in Rangers history, and World Series MVP. Yeah, I would say that enough to be put on the nice list.
Nice: Nelson Cruz
Yes, that Nelson Cruz.
If this were three months ago, Cruz would have taken the top spot on my naughty list no doubt about it. But at last, the moment Josh Sborz struck out Ketel Marte looking for the 27th out, the demons were exercised. Cruz was forgiven across the DFW metroplex and Rangers fans can hear the words "Game 6" or think of the year 2011 without regret, heartbreak, depression, or hatred.
In poetic, almost Shakespearean fashion, Cruz decided to retire from major league baseball just weeks following the Ranger's game 5 win. Finally putting the demons, curse, and regret to bed that was 2011 once and for all.
After being number 1 on all Rangers fans' naughty list for over a decade, Cruz deserves more than just coal in his stocking this Christmas.