Yankees Explore Trade for Corey Seager
The offseason whispers of a blockbuster trade involving Bryce Harper to the New York Yankees were just the beginning. Now, speculation has shifted to another marquee name: Corey Seager. The notion of acquiring the Texas Rangers shortstop gained traction after Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported that the Rangers are looking to reduce payroll. Given Seager’s limited no-trade clause, the Yankees emerge as one of the few teams he wouldn’t veto.
This scenario may feel more like a fantasy simulation than reality, yet it’s not without precedent. The baseball world witnessed a significant shortstop transaction last year when Carlos Correa returned to the Houston Astros after the Minnesota Twins moved him. If a complicated contract like Correa’s could be maneuvered, perhaps a deal for Seager isn’t entirely out of the question.
Seager’s Strong Performance and Potential
Corey Seager’s performance last season presents a compelling case for the Yankees. In 102 games, he showcased his defensive prowess with 4 Outs Above Average while also belting 21 home runs, contributing to a 4.0 WAR as calculated by Fangraphs. Seager’s value has never been higher, especially after playing a pivotal role in leading the Rangers to their first World Series title in 2023.
New York’s decision to pass on Seager during the free agency frenzy of 2021 could be rectified if they capitalize on this potential opportunity. While the injury issues that have plagued Seager’s career cannot be overlooked, his offensive capabilities are undeniable. He ranks in the 90th percentile or higher for expected batting average, expected slugging, average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate.
A Dynamic Addition to the Lineup
Seager stands out not only for his power potential but also for his exceptional plate discipline. His ability to make contact and draw walks sets him apart; he boasts a chase rate of just 23%, placing him in the 83rd percentile, and a walk rate of 13%, which is in the 93rd percentile. Adding a player of his caliber behind Aaron Judge would provide the Yankees with three formidable hitters in the lineup, turning each at-bat into a challenging encounter for opposing pitchers.
Trent Grisham, another player with a similar profile, recorded a 14.1% walk rate last season. Meanwhile, Judge, the captain, achieved an extraordinary walk rate of 18.3%. Incorporating Seager into this mix could transform the Yankees’ batting order, providing the offensive firepower needed to contend in a competitive American League landscape.
While the idea of Seager donning pinstripes may initially seem like a long shot, the combination of his talent, the Yankees’ need for a left-handed bat, and the Rangers’ financial motivations might just make this audacious move a possibility worth exploring.
