Yankees’ Corey Seager Dream Hits a Wall as Rangers Shut Down Trade Buzz
For a fanbase that’s always hungry for a blockbuster, the idea of Corey Seager in pinstripes was enough to get Yankees fans dreaming big this offseason. After all, we’re talking about a two-time World Series MVP, still in his prime, who would represent a massive upgrade at shortstop. But the dream appears to be just that - a dream - as the Texas Rangers have made it clear they’re not answering calls on their star infielder.
Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young went on MLB Network Radio this past weekend and didn’t mince words: “We are not shopping Corey Seager, I want to make that very clear.” That’s about as definitive as it gets in the world of trade rumors.
Now, sure, there’s always a sliver of daylight in these situations - MLB Trade Rumors noted that Seager isn’t completely “untouchable,” and even mentioned that the Red Sox have checked in. But Young’s comments signal that any team hoping to pry Seager loose is going to hit a wall - and a pretty sturdy one at that.
Why Seager to the Yankees Was Always a Long Shot
Even before Young’s statement, the idea of Seager landing in the Bronx had more fantasy than feasibility. Yes, his contract - $31 million annually for the next six years - isn’t outrageous for a player of his caliber.
But the Yankees’ front office has shown a growing reluctance to take on big-money deals unless the fit is absolutely perfect. And lately, it seems like they’re more concerned with staying under the highest luxury tax threshold than they are with making a win-now splash.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a fanbase that’s used to seeing the Yankees flex their financial muscle. But this winter has featured a different tone. Team owner Hal Steinbrenner has publicly questioned the club’s profitability, and the front office has been cautious about adding another massive contract to the books - especially one that would push them into the top tier of the luxury tax for a third straight year.
Seager, for all his talent, likely didn’t make sense in that equation. And if the Yankees are going to spend $30 million annually to upgrade from Anthony Volpe, they might prefer to do it on someone younger - like Bo Bichette - who not only brings upside but would also weaken a division rival in the process. That’s the kind of two-for-one move that could actually shift the balance in the AL East.
Meanwhile, the AL East Arms Race Continues
While the Yankees are playing the long game with mid-tier additions like Amed Rosario and prospect-level depth such as Cade Winquest, their division rivals aren’t exactly sitting on their hands. The Blue Jays, in particular, have been linked to some of the biggest names on the market - from Kyle Tucker to Dylan Cease - and are clearly swinging for the fences.
That contrast in approach is hard to ignore. The Yankees are hoping that internal development and a few modest additions will be enough to right the ship in 2026. That’s a big gamble, especially in a division where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Seager would have been a statement - a signal that the Yankees were ready to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league. But instead, the message from the front office seems to be: not yet.
Bottom Line
Corey Seager isn’t coming to the Bronx - not this offseason, and likely not anytime soon. Chris Young’s comments shut the door, and even if that door were cracked open, the Yankees don’t seem poised to walk through it.
For now, fans will have to shelve the Seager fantasies and hope the front office has a different kind of magic up its sleeve. Because in a division that’s only getting tougher, standing still might not be good enough.