The New York Yankees are exploring major roster upgrades after their disappointing exit in the 2025 ALDS, where they were eliminated in five games by the Toronto Blue Jays. One of the most ambitious moves they could pursue is a dramatic upgrade at shortstop — specifically by targeting Texas Rangers star Corey Seager.
According to Stephen Parello of Yanks Go Yard, general manager Brian Cashman could put together a substantial trade package built around current Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe, along with young pitcher Will Warren, pitching prospect Bryce Cunningham, and outfield prospect Dillon Lewis.
Parello suggests that Volpe and Warren provide a strong foundation for the deal, fitting both the Rangers’ immediate and long-term needs. Volpe is entering arbitration for the first time, remaining affordable while still offering three more years of team control. Importantly, he would not block Texas’ top prospect, Sebastian Walcott — ranked No. 6 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list — who is still developing and likely a few years away from becoming a major-league starter. In the meantime, a change of scenery might help Volpe rediscover his full potential, and he could ultimately form an exciting double-play duo with Walcott once the young star arrives.
Warren would give Texas a young, reliable arm to pair with Jack Leiter, who was Volpe’s teammate in high school. If 2022 third-overall pick Kumar Rocker also rebounds, the Rangers could form a promising trio to anchor their future rotation.
For Volpe, a native New Yorker, the idea of being traded would undoubtedly be difficult. But his 2025 performance raised questions about whether he can become the long-term cornerstone the Yankees once envisioned. Although he managed to reduce his strikeout numbers, many of his offensive stats declined, including a significant 31-point drop in batting average. The Yankees may ultimately decide it’s time to move in a different direction, even if the decision is painful for both sides.
Warren, on the other hand, has been a steady and effective pitcher, limiting hard contact and home runs despite playing in a hitter-friendly ballpark. His 171 strikeouts in 2025 highlight just how valuable he could be to a rebuilding Texas team.
From the Rangers’ perspective, this trade package would be a respectable return for Seager, who, despite not wanting to leave Texas, likely recognizes that the organization is beginning a teardown of its 2023 championship roster — a team that has struggled to reach that level again.
Wherever Seager has played, winning has followed, and the Yankees are desperate to end what has now become a 17-year World Series drought. In many ways, Seager feels like the perfect fit in New York. The only question is whether the Yankees are willing to commit to the 31-year-old as their shortstop both now and in the years ahead.
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