Corey Seager: A Yankee Priority or Fallback Option? @Lonsksk

by Adam King

The Yankees enter 2022 in desperate need of a shortstop. Previously I’ve discussed why many (including myself) prefer Carlos Correa, but along the way I believe many fans have underrated the former World Series MVP Corey Seager. Seager grew up a Yankee fan and his favorite player was Derek Jeter (coincidence right?).

Seager is an offensive monster and at Yankee Stadium those dominant numbers will only improve. Seager is coming off of a 2021 season where he hit .306/.394/.915 (BA/OBP/OPS), had 16 homers, and knocked in 57 RBI’s. Seager is an average/below average defensive shortstop with many pro scouts saying he’ll have to shift over to 3rd base in the not so distant future. This can actually work out in the Yankees favor though with top prospect Anthony Volpe only being a few years away from being an MLB ready SS.

Seager also has had plenty of postseason success in his career, most notably winning the 2020 World Series with the LA Dodgers (where he won the World Series MVP). Seager does not have the eye popping postseason stats that Carlos Correa has, but he does have a proven track record of being able to perform on the largest stage.

Seager will command a hefty price tag with many speculating he will get north of $300 million for over 10 years. Seager is represented by Scott Boras, who is known for getting maximum value for all of his clients, and the Yankees know this very well after dealing with Boras during the Gerrit Cole sweepstakes a few years ago. Some early reports are saying the Yankees are unwilling to pay any of the top SS’s over $300 million, but I for one refuse to believe these reports so early on in the off-season.

My personal preference is for the Yankees to sign Carlos Correa as the SS for the next decade, but if they were to go out and sign Corey Seager no fan should be disappointed. He’s a needed left handed bat that will dominate offensively at Yankee Stadium and will help an offense that desperately needs someone of his ability. His defense leaves some to be desired, but it’s a risk worth taking from the Yankees perspective.

Predicted Contract: 10 years/$300 million