Both Carlos Correa and Corey Seager above average offensively. They have good strikeout rates and walk rates. Their quality of contact is also very good, with above average hard hit rates, barrel rates, and expected stats. The differences in plate approach are more telling to how well each player will perform on a long term deal with a new team next season.
Carlos Correa Breakdown
Carlos Correa has above average contact rates and great strike zone recognition. He has a very patient plate approach. He chases pitches out of zone and whiffs at a better than league average rate. While he also swings in-zone less than average, he makes contact on those in-zone pitches more than average. He mostly hits straight up the middle, but he has both pull side and opposite field power.
Correa is also a plus defender, he is very athletic and has good range. He would be a major improvement at shortstop.
Corey Seager Breakdown
The Yankees’ line-up was heavily stacked with right handed hitters this season, and Corey Seager offers a very dependable left handed bat. Seager has good strike zone recognition. His plate approach is very different from Correa’s. Seager is much more aggressive, especially first pitch. He swings first pitch 53% of the time, which is 24% more often than average. He also swings at pitches in-zone more than average, but only makes contact on those pitches at an average rate. He also whiffs at a higher rate than average. That being said, Seager has a lot of power and hits to all fields, but he also has the tendency to hit a lot of ground balls.
Seager is a below average defensive shortstop and is generally on the slower side. Despite the below average defensive metrics, he would still be an improvement at shortstop.
Final Thoughts
Both Correa and Seager are great players and will be signed to big deals. If it were my decision, I would choose Correa over Seager. Assuming both players are looking for a long term deal, Correa’s plate discipline, contact rates, and plus defense all would be a great fit for the Yankees.
How much will both players sign for? Using Francisco Lindor as a reference, he was one year younger than Correa and Seager when he reached free agency and had a higher career WAR to date. Lindor ended up receiving an AAV of $34.1 million, so I estimate Correa and Seager will end up in the $27-$30 million range.
Who do you think will be the Yankees’ shortstop next season?
I would like Seager on the team. I think the lefty bat would be more beneficial than what Correa brings.
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