Yankees trade prediction lands $325M, 2-time World Series MVP, sparking Anthony Volpe dilemma

Hunter Cookston

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Yankees trade prediction lands $325M, 2-time World Series MVP, sparking Anthony Volpe dilemma image

The New York Yankees are aiming for an offseason that sets them up well for the future. After reaching the World Series in 2024, they fell short in the 2025 ALDS to the Toronto Blue Jays. Now, they’re facing another setback: shortstop Anthony Volpe will be out to start the 2026 season.

“Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Volpe won't swing a bat for at least four months and will be unable to dive on his surgically repaired left shoulder for six months. Cashman added that the Yankees hope Volpe will be ready 'sometime in April; maybe, worst-case scenario, May.' The Yankees open the 2026 season in San Francisco against the Giants on March 25,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

With Volpe sidelined, the Yankees could look to bring in a replacement — one who might even become permanent. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rhymer believes the Yankees could trade for Rangers shortstop Corey Seager.

“To this end, it would make the most sense if the Rangers swapped Seager for a controllable arm who could further establish them as a pitching powerhouse in 2026, plus a well-regarded prospect who could one day take his spot as a lineup centerpiece,” Rhymer wrote.

Seager became an even more realistic possibility on Sunday when the Rangers traded Marcus Semien to the New York Mets for outfielder Brandon Nimmo.

“The New York Mets and Texas Rangers have agreed to a trade that would send second baseman Marcus Semien to the Mets and outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers, sources told ESPN on Sunday. Nimmo, 32, agreed to waive his no-trade clause, sources said, allowing the deal to be consummated, pending MLB approval,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

This move indicates that the Rangers are willing to shed salary this offseason if the right offers come along. The Yankees certainly have the pieces to make a strong push for Seager if they want him badly enough.

However, trading for Seager would raise a major question: what happens with Volpe? Seager is a veteran star who is simply too talented to pass up, so finding a new position for Volpe may become part of the Yankees’ long-term plan if Seager is acquired.

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