The New York Yankees insist publicly that they still believe in Anthony Volpe. Brian Cashman said as much again this week at the Winter Meetings, stressing that Volpe’s disappointing bat and defensive regression in 2025 have not erased the organization’s long-term faith in him. At the same time, Cashman’s actions are telling a more complicated story—one that now includes exploratory trade talks for Texas Rangers superstar shortstop Corey Seager.
According to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, the Yankees are among several teams that have inquired about Seager, alongside the Red Sox and Braves. While Texas has not formally put Seager on the block, the Rangers have acknowledged interest and listened. For the Yankees, that alone signals a notable shift. This is no longer just about internal competition between Volpe and José Caballero. It’s about whether New York believes its championship window can afford another season of uncertainty at shortstop.
Cashman’s “Competition” Comments Signal a Shift
Cashman’s Winter Meetings remarks were revealing. He repeatedly used the word “competition” when discussing Volpe, a clear departure from the unconditional support the front office offered after Volpe’s rookie season in 2023. Volpe’s postseason struggles—11 strikeouts in 15 ALDS plate appearances—amplified frustration at Yankee Stadium, and the boos were impossible to ignore. Cashman acknowledged that players must earn their playing time, even former top prospects.
That framing also elevates José Caballero’s role. Caballero is currently slated to open the season at shortstop while Volpe recovers from offseason labrum surgery, but Cashman stopped short of guaranteeing Volpe his job upon return. Instead, he emphasized merit-based decisions, saying the “best man” will ultimately keep playing. That philosophy alone leaves the door open for external upgrades if the front office determines internal options are insufficient.
Why Corey Seager Changes Everything for New York
That context makes the Seager conversations more than idle curiosity. The five-time All-Star turns 32 in April and remains one of the most complete shortstops in baseball when healthy. He’s also owed $186 million over the next six seasons as part of his 10-year, $325 million contract. For a Yankees team that carried a $304 million payroll in 2025, acquiring Seager would require owner Hal Steinbrenner to soften his desire to reduce spending into the high-$200 million range in 2026.
The Rangers, however, have a reason to listen. President of baseball operations Chris Young has said Texas plans to trim payroll from roughly $226 million to around $200 million next season. Trading Seager would be the most direct way to accomplish that goal, even if it’s not their preferred outcome.
On the field, the dominoes would fall quickly. A Seager acquisition would almost certainly push Volpe off shortstop, with second base emerging as the logical landing spot. One way to balance the roster—and the lineup’s left-handed lean—would be including Jazz Chisholm Jr. in a deal. Chisholm is an All-Star, bats left-handed, and is one season away from free agency, making him a sensible trade chip for Texas.
The move would also reshape the Yankees’ long-term infield picture. George Lombard Jr., the organization’s top prospect and 2023 first-round pick, is expected to open 2026 in Double-A. If Seager anchors shortstop for the foreseeable future, Lombard’s eventual path likely shifts to second or third base. Ryan McMahon currently offers elite defense at third, but his low average, strikeout rate, and $32 million owed over the next two seasons complicate his fit.
For now, Cashman is walking a familiar line. He’s backing Volpe publicly, praising Caballero’s versatility, and preaching competition—all while quietly exploring elite alternatives. Whether Corey Seager becomes the next dramatic Yankees pivot depends less on prospect capital and more on ownership’s willingness to spend. The Yankees no longer treat shortstop as a settled position in the Bronx.
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