The New York Yankees reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring star shortstop Corey Seager from the Texas Rangers, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Sherman also revealed that the Boston Red Sox engaged in trade talks with Texas regarding Seager, signaling that multiple contenders have at least checked in on the All-Star infielder.
Seager, who will play the 2026 season at age 32, continues to rank among the premier shortstops in baseball. Despite being limited to 102 games in 2025, he delivered elite production. The veteran slashed .271 while hitting 21 home runs and driving in 50 runs, finishing the year with an impressive .860 OPS and a 6.2 WAR. His advanced metrics were equally eye-opening. According to Baseball Savant, Seager ranked in the 93rd percentile in average exit velocity (92.9 mph), 92nd percentile in barrel rate (15.3%), and 95th percentile in hard-hit percentage (53.6%). Those numbers reinforce that, when healthy, he remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the sport.
In addition to his offensive value, Seager provided steady defense at shortstop. He recorded four Outs Above Average (OAA) in 2025, placing him in the 85th percentile among defenders at the position. That combination of offensive firepower and dependable glove work helps explain why teams like the Yankees and Red Sox would at least explore a potential deal.
However, durability remains a significant concern. Since signing a massive 10-year, $325 million contract with Texas during the 2021–22 offseason, Seager has surpassed 150 games in a season just once — his 151-game campaign in 2022. In 2025, he battled multiple setbacks, including two hamstring injuries in April and May and an appendectomy on August 29. Those issues limited his availability and add to a growing injury history.
Financially, a trade would also be complicated. Seager still has six years remaining on his deal, with more than $189 million owed, per Spotrac. The Yankees previously had an opportunity to sign him in free agency but reportedly passed, partly because they believed in then-top prospect Anthony Volpe as their long-term answer at shortstop.
Now 24, Volpe is entering his fourth MLB season but has yet to meet expectations. His 2025 campaign featured struggles both offensively and defensively. Adding to the uncertainty, Volpe underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason and may not return until late April or early May of 2026.
In the meantime, the Yankees are expected to rely on Jose Caballero, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at last year’s trade deadline. Caballero offers defensive versatility and solid on-base skills, but whether he can handle everyday shortstop duties over a full season remains to be seen.
There’s a layer of irony in the Yankees revisiting Seager discussions after declining to pursue him years ago. Still, given his age, injury track record, and long-term financial commitment, completing a trade appears challenging. If New York’s shortstop situation remains unsettled in 2026, though, it wouldn’t be surprising to see those conversations resurface as the Yankees search for stability at a critical position.
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