Two impact stars move into Yankees frame as Cashman shares trade push
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Follow UsNew York — The Yankees are in active talks with both agents and teams. General manager Brian Cashman confirmed Thursday that trade discussions are running alongside free agent negotiations.
“We know what we intend to do,” Cashman spoke at the Covenant House Sleep Out at the Javits Center, where he has taken part for 14 straight years to raise money and awareness for youth homelessness. “We’re having conversations at the same time with clubs. We may be doing some business before the tender.”
The Yankees remain in pursuit of top free agents such as Kyle Tucker, Michael King and Cody Bellinger. However, Cashman hinted that they were exploring every lane, including trade talks, as they look to reshape the roster after failing to reach the World Series since 2009. The Yankees continue to study ways to strengthen both the lineup and defense while keeping their payroll aligned with ownership’s expectations.
Cashman said he has stayed in close contact with decision makers across the league, including a scheduled 9 a.m. Friday call with an agent representing a non tender candidate.
Here are two key potential trade targets who could help reinforce the Yankees infield ahead of the 2026 season. Both players offer different types of value. One brings elite left handed power at shortstop. The other is a versatile, left handed contact hitter who fits multiple positions. One carries a large contract. The other offers two more years of team control. The Yankees have explored both paths while weighing which route best supports their current needs.
Rangers open to offload shortstop with Massive Contract
Texas has signaled it is willing to move Corey Seager despite the 190 million dollars he is owed over the next six seasons. The two time World Series MVP does not have the Yankees on his no trade list. That detail opens a direct path for discussions between Texas and New York.
The Rangers’ interest in moving Seager’s deal stems from payroll concerns following a disappointing 2025 season. Reducing their financial obligations would give them more room to rebuild under their current leadership.
For the Yankees, Seager would address questions at shortstop after Anthony Volpe produced inconsistent offense this past season. Seager hit .286 with 33 home runs in 2025. He remains one of the sport’s best offensive shortstops and would give the Yankees star level power from the left side.
Yankees prospects who could interest Texas include right handers Bryce Cunningham and Ben Hess. Cunningham is the organization’s fifth ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He carries two 60 grade pitches with his fastball and slider. Hess, a first round pick in 2024, impressed in his 2025 stint at Double A.
Third baseman Ryan McMahon may also be part of a possible package. His move would open third base for Volpe if Seager takes over at shortstop. McMahon’s defense could help upgrade depth for Texas behind Josh Jung.
Cardinals Making star Available in Roster Reset
St. Louis has made Brendan Donovan available as part of its early shift under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. The Cardinals want to trade from their left handed hitting surplus while focusing on player development.
“The St. Louis Cardinals are not entering a full-fledged rebuild under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, but the club will entertain trade offers for several star players as it shifts its focus to player development and homegrown talent,” Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported.
Donovan hit .287 with a .353 on base percentage and .422 slugging percentage during his 2025 All Star season. The 28 year old has started at least 12 games at six different positions during his career. He also won a 2022 Gold Glove as a utility player.
His versatility addresses a major Yankees need. New York wants infield flexibility after losing Paul Goldschmidt to free agency and seeing limited offensive output from McMahon. Donovan also offers a left handed swing that would help balance the Yankees lineup.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi highlighted Donovan’s strong market. “I would say a majority of teams in Major League Baseball have checked in with the Cardinals on their trade candidates. Donovan, top name on the list,” Morosi said. “The question is actually not so much who is in on Donovan, but who is not.”
Yankees’ Pitching Depth Creates Trade Leverage
The Yankees have pitching depth that aligns with what St. Louis wants. With 10 pitchers ranked among their top 14 prospects, New York can build trade offers without thinning the system too deeply.
Elmer Rodriguez stands out as a possible centerpiece. The 22 year old left hander, acquired from Boston in December 2024, finished 2025 with an 11 8 record and a 2.58 ERA across three minor league levels. He struck out 176 batters in 150 innings and reached Triple A Scranton Wilkes Barre.
Chase Hampton and Brock Selvidge also profile as attractive pieces for St. Louis. Both right handers project as future starters and offer multiple years of team control. The Yankees could match the Cardinals’ preference for young, near ready pitchers with long term value.
The Cardinals want arms who can reach the majors soon and stay affordable during their player development push. That matches the Yankees’ farm structure and gives Cashman a strong starting point for trade offers.
Competition Intensifies for Both Players
The Dodgers, Royals and Guardians have joined the Yankees in talks for Donovan. Each club can offer different types of prospect packages that appeal to St. Louis.
Seager’s contract limits his market to teams willing to take on a sizable financial commitment. His offensive production makes him appealing. But the cost may price out several teams. The Yankees’ ability to absorb salary could give them an advantage if Texas decides to move him.
Donovan’s estimated 5.75 million dollar salary for 2026 makes him appealing to many clubs. His cost effective contract and defensive versatility have produced significant interest throughout the league. The Yankees may need to move quickly before another team finalizes an agreement with St. Louis.
Cashman has stayed in communication with multiple teams for trade options. He continues to balance Hal Steinbrenner’s payroll goals with the Yankees’ need to compete for a title after their playoff exit in 2025.
Whether they move toward Seager’s star power or Donovan’s versatility, the Yankees appear set on improving their infield through the trade market while keeping free agent talks open on parallel tracks.
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