The Yankees have plenty of offseason work ahead of them, but the latest Corey Seager chatter points to a move that could create as many problems as it solves.
In a November 8 New York Post column, MLB insider Jon Heyman raised the possibility of New York going after the Texas Rangers shortstop and shifting the five-time All-Star to third base to patch one of the Yankees’ biggest weak spots. On the surface, that kind of name carries obvious appeal. Seager is a two-time World Series MVP and one of the sport’s most accomplished offensive shortstops.
Still, the fit gets messy fast.
The Yankees do not need more star power as much as they need better balance. Their issues have been about versatility, consistency, and the ability to score without leaning so hard on the home run.
Bringing in another left-handed slugger does not exactly solve that. Seager’s career line of .284 with an .860 OPS shows the kind of hitter he has been, but his 2026 season looked far different.
In 102 games, he hit .227/.312/.424 with 20 home runs, 51 RBIs and a .736 OPS.
That’s not a disaster, but it is a clear step down from the elite production that built his reputation.
If New York is serious about reshaping the lineup, the more obvious need is a right-handed bat who can complement Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, and the other left-handed hitters already in the mix. The Yankees need contact, patience, and the ability to cash in with runners on base. Seager can still be dangerous, but he does not bring the kind of offensive variety this roster is missing.
Then there’s the position question, and that one is just as thorny.
Seager has spent virtually his entire big league career at shortstop, with only six games at third base on his résumé. His defensive numbers do not exactly make the move look seamless, either. Baseball Savant had him at 1 Out Above Average at shortstop in 2026, down from five in 2024 and four in 2025.
Those figures do not paint him as a liability, but they also do not scream obvious upgrade at a new spot. Third base asks for different reactions, different angles, and different responsibilities. Expecting a 32-year-old shortstop to slide over without issue would be a gamble, especially with his recent injury history.
Heyman also mentioned another possibility: keeping Seager at shortstop and moving George Lombard Jr. to third. That would mean shifting around a player who has already reached the majors and is part of the Yankees’ long-term infield picture, all to make room for a veteran on a massive deal. That kind of rearrangement sounds more disruptive than helpful when New York should be looking for stability.
The contract is the real elephant in the room.
Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million deal with Texas before the 2022 season, and about $165 million is still left on it through 2031. He will not hit free agency until 2032, when he will be nearing 38. The Yankees would be taking on a player entering his age-33 season who has dealt with recurring injuries and has not played more than 123 games in any of the last four seasons.
He also had elbow surgery after the 2026 campaign, which only adds to the risk.
Texas could always help soften the blow by covering part of the money, but unless the Rangers are willing to eat a major chunk of the contract, the price tag is hard to defend. And that is before the Yankees even get to the prospect cost.
New York has plenty of other needs to sort through, including bullpen help, infield upgrades, catching depth, and a more flexible offense. With closer David Bednar’s future uncertain and multiple roster decisions still hanging out there, tying up even more payroll in a long-term commitment would narrow the team’s options.
Seager’s talent is not the issue. Nobody is questioning that.
But there is a difference between chasing a name and building a roster that actually fits together. The Yankees have spent too many offseasons leaning into big swings while the same structural flaws keep showing up when it matters most.
They need more than another expensive left-handed bat. They need a more complete team.
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