Dayton Moore, Senior Advisor to the Texas Rangers, has shed light on the team’s approach to negotiations, emphasizing the importance of transparency and mutual understanding. Moore, who joined the Rangers in November 2022, believes that a team must be willing to disadvantage itself in order to facilitate honest and empathetic discussions. This approach, he claims, was instrumental in the recent trade between the Rangers and the New York Mets, which saw Marcus Semien and Brandon Nimmo swap teams.
Moore, who previously served as General Manager of the Kansas City Royals from 2006 to 2021, shared his insights on the “Baseball isn’t Boring” podcast. He explained that his team’s focus is on understanding the needs of the other team, rather than solely on what they can gain from a deal. “You want to figure out what the other team needs,” Moore said. “It’s okay to disadvantage yourself for the good of another team or somebody else, okay? Focus on what you’re getting, not what you’re giving up, right?”
The Rangers’ trade with the Mets, which was announced on November 24, caught many by surprise, as Nimmo was seen as a key player and clubhouse leader for the Mets. However, reports suggest that the Mets were keen to acquire Semien for his leadership qualities. Moore praised the Mets’ General Manager, David Stearns, as a “terrific baseball mind” who knows what his team needs.
Moore also shared his approach to contract negotiations, citing the examples of Alex Gordon and Salvador Perez, two star players he signed to long-term contracts during his time with the Royals. He revealed that he would often open up the team’s books to the players, sharing information on payroll and arbitration expectations, in order to facilitate transparent and mutually beneficial agreements.
The Rangers’ approach to negotiations, as outlined by Moore, highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in professional sports. By prioritizing the needs of other teams and being willing to compromise, the Rangers aim to build strong relationships and achieve successful outcomes. As the team looks to the future, Moore’s approach will likely play a key role in shaping their negotiations and decision-making processes.
