Yankees Searching for an Answer at Shortstop
The New York Yankees are looking for a proven shortstop. Down in Texas, the Rangers happen to have one of the best in the game—Corey Seager.
Corey Seager
And while it sounds as unlikely as the Dallas Mavericks shipping Luka Doncic to the Lakers or the Cowboys dealing Micah Parsons to the Packers, the idea of the Rangers moving Seager no longer feels completely far-fetched.
Corey Seager
Rangers Stay Alive Without Their Star
Texas has already surprised the baseball world this season. Even without several marquee players—including Seager, who has been sidelined since undergoing an emergency appendectomy on August 28—the Rangers have stayed in the playoff race.
When Seager went down, their postseason hopes seemed dead. They were 68–67, six games behind the Houston Astros. Yet now, at 79–72, they sit just three games out of a wild card spot with only 11 games left.
Corey Seager
At the very least, they have turned what looked like a lost year into an entertaining final month and a likely winning record.
Offseason Shake-Up Seems Inevitable
But barring an unlikely October run, big changes loom for Texas. A new manager or coaching staff could be in play, and the roster may be reshaped.
Corey Seager
Outfielder Adolis García seems destined to leave. And if the Rangers want to address pressing needs—first base, two outfield spots, designated hitter and bullpen depth—dangling Seager could bring the kind of haul that accelerates a retool.
Seager’s Contract and Legacy in Texas
Seager, still just 31, has six seasons left on the 10-year, $325 million contract he signed in December 2021, earning $31.5 million annually through 2031.
Corey Seager
Texas has already enjoyed the best of his prime, and he remains a high-end producer despite a slight dip this year.
Even if his stats never fully recover, his 2023 postseason heroics—including a game-tying ninth-inning homer in Game 1 of the World Series—cemented his status as a Rangers legend.
Lessons from the Alex Rodriguez Trade
The financial stakes are huge, and Texas wouldn’t want to repeat its 2004 mistake of trading Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees simply to dump salary.
Still, Josh Smith—acquired from New York in the Joey Gallo deal—has blossomed into a capable everyday shortstop.
Corey Seager
If Seager could net Texas two impact bats and a quality pitcher, Rangers general manager Chris Young and owner Ray Davis would have to consider it.
Yankees Remain the Most Logical Suitor
Seager’s limited no-trade clause and massive contract mean only a handful of teams could realistically land him.
Corey Seager
But the Yankees—never shy about bold moves and facing their own concerns with Anthony Volpe—fit the profile perfectly.
The Rangers don’t need to trade their franchise shortstop. Yet if New York calls, Texas might at least pick up the phone.
