Corey Seager sends parting message to Dodgers as reality settles in

While re-signing Chris Taylor at a bargain did a lot to reassure fans, there’s no hiding from the fact that the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ offseason has been a disappointment.

Even for a club with a seemingly limitless budget, losing Max Scherzer, Corey Seager and Corey Knebel within a matter of day is a devastating turn of events. Though fans felt a deep connection to all three players, it goes without saying the loss of Seager hurts the most.

Not only did he spend his entire career (seven years) up until this point in a Dodger uniform, but he was a catalyst in helping the franchise end its World Series drought two seasons ago.

We’re not sure when reality will settle in, but Justin Turner, who shared the left side of the infield with Seager for those seven years, helped make things feel more real with an emotional quote about his departure. Now, however, it’s Seager’s turn, as the newly-minted Texas Ranger took to Instagram over the weekend to thank the Dodgers organization.

Corey Seager posted a farewell message to the Dodgers on Instagram.

We’ve noticed some complaints about the length of Seager’s caption. To those so-called fans, just quit while you’re ahead.

The former NL Rookie of the Year is a man of few words. Go watch his introductory press conference with the Rangers. He was so nervy he could barely complete a sentence. If you think a short Instagram caption means he didn’t cherish every last second with the Dodgers and it didn’t gut him to leave, then you’ve lost the plot.

More importantly, Los Angeles wouldn’t have ended its World Series drought without Seager, who took home NLCS and World Series MVP honors that postseason when he mashed nine home runs, tallied 19 RBI and scored 20 runs. Unless Seager talks down on the franchise, he can do no wrong around these parts.

Being the class act he is, Seager expressed his gratitude for the Dodgers during a heartfelt interview with MLB Network.

"“I can’t thank the Dodgers enough for what they’ve done for me,” Seager said. “What I’ve been able to do for the city and bringing a championship back to them and all the teammates that went along with that. The relationships that we built throughout the years there. And the fanbase alone… it’s truly humbling and we’ve appreciated every moment that they’ve given to us.”"

We can’t believe we had to come to Seager’s defense here, but we suppose that’s what happens when one of the faces of the franchise for the last five years pursues a generational contract on the open market.

Shouldn’t fans be happy that a former homegrown talent took the next step in fulfilling his childhood dream?

We certainly are … though we’re not really sure we’ll ever get used to watching him dominate on the diamond in a different uniform.

Justin Turner’s response to Corey Seager’s departure hits Dodgers fans in their feels

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner responded to Corey Seager's free agency departure. Grab the nearest tissue box, folks.