The New York Yankees find themselves at a fascinating crossroads with Jazz Chisholm Jr.. He’s one of baseball’s most dynamic infielders and easily among the more intriguing trade chips on the market.
After a breakout 2025 season, Chisholm has drawn interest from several MLB clubs. The Yankees are walking a tightrope—trying to contend now, manage payroll, and keep some long-term flexibility.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s Breakout Season with the Yankees
Chisholm’s 2025 campaign really turned heads across the league. He’s now firmly established as one of the most valuable middle infielders in baseball.
His mix of power, speed, and defensive versatility makes him a rare commodity these days. Not many players check as many boxes as he does.
Power, Speed, and Production at the Keystone
Chisholm delivered the kind of season front offices dream about. He launched 31 home runs and swiped 31 bases, making him a true dual threat.
His final line—.242/.332/.481—and a 126 wRC+ show he was 26% better than league average offensively. That’s a big leap from earlier in his career.
Those numbers aren’t just empty stats. He’s a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat who can change the game in a bunch of ways.
In an era where lineup balance and athleticism are at a premium, Chisholm fits right in. He’s the kind of player teams crave.
Defensive Versatility and Impact
Defensively, Chisholm’s value goes well beyond his bat. He played both second base and third base, and the metrics backed up what you saw on the field.
He posted 2 Defensive Runs Saved and an impressive 8 Outs Above Average. That’s plus defense in the infield, no doubt.
According to FanGraphs, Chisholm’s all-around game added up to a strong 4.4 WAR. That’s All-Star territory for a contending team.
Yankees’ Roster Construction: Where Does Chisholm Fit?
The Yankees’ infield picture shifted when they brought in Ryan McMahon for third base. That move gave Chisholm a shot to settle in at second, at least for now.
Positional Clarity, Organizational Uncertainty
With McMahon at third, Chisholm looks like the everyday second baseman. Still, the broader infield situation feels less stable.
Anthony Volpe is rehabbing from shoulder surgery. Highly regarded prospects like George Lombard Jr. are still developing in the minors.
So there’s a tension here: Chisholm brings immediate, proven production in the middle infield. But the Yankees have to weigh future cost, prospect timelines, and overall roster balance.
Contract Status, Payroll Pressure, and Trade Logic
From a financial angle, Chisholm might be one of the most attractive trade assets in the league. That same affordability makes the decision to move him tricky, though.
Team Control and Cost Efficiency
Chisholm is under team control for one more season, with a projected 2026 salary of $10.2 million. That’s a bargain compared to his current qualifying offer of $22.025 million and what similar players get on the open market.
He’s reportedly open to a contract extension, but the Yankees don’t seem eager. Under Brian Cashman, they rarely go for early extensions these days, preferring flexibility and shorter deals.
Payroll Cap and Roster Balance
Owner Hal Steinbrenner has said he wants the team’s payroll under $300 million. That internal cap matters, whether fans like it or not.
Trading Chisholm could help trim future commitments and maybe bring in pitching—something the Yankees have been pretty open about targeting. There’s also the lineup balance issue. New York’s offense leans left-handed, and Cashman has hinted he wants to even that out.
Chisholm, being a lefty hitter, might be seen as a piece the team could flip for right-handed power or rotation help. It’s a bit of a puzzle.
Trade Market: Who Could Challenge for Chisholm?
The Yankees aren’t actively shopping Chisholm, but Cashman has made it clear they’re listening. Given his production and contract, he could headline the second base market.
Other Second Base Options Around the League
Chisholm isn’t the only name in play. Other notable second base trade candidates include:
Teams like the Giants, Mariners, and Astros have been linked to possible infield upgrades. They could pivot to Chisholm if they see him as a bigger upside play than the alternatives.
What Comes Next for Jazz Chisholm Jr. and the Yankees?
The Yankees are in a spot that feels all too familiar. They’re trying to win right now, but they have to keep an eye on the luxury tax line and whatever the future core might look like.
Chisholm is the kind of player contenders always want—explosive, affordable, and just entering his prime. He’s got that spark, and you can’t ignore it.
Maybe New York extends him. Maybe they trade him for pitching. Or maybe they just let him play out his control years.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is right at the center of one of this offseason’s most intriguing storylines. Whoever ends up with him might just land the difference-maker they need in 2026 and beyond.
Here is the source article for this story: Teams Have Shown Interest In Jazz Chisholm Jr.
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