The New York Yankees will face a key decision regarding Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the months ahead. The team acquired the former Miami Marlins standout in 2024 to strengthen their infield.
However, with Chisholm entering free agency following the 2026 MLB season, New York must determine whether to lock in the 27-year-old for the long haul or let him leave after next year.
Nonetheless, there’s another option: The Yankees could entertain an offer for Chisholm. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden shared what he’s hearing on what New York could be considering when it comes to the veteran infielder.
“One of the things that the Yankees tell me is they feel they’re too left-handed, and they’re hoping they’re going to continue to be too left-handed because they’re hoping to sign either Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker, with Bellinger being their priority,” Bowden said on the December 12 edition of “CBS Sports HQ.” “[The Yankees] really want to get another right-handed bat, so they will listen.
“They love Jazz Chisholm Jr., and in fact, they think next July he’ll be the All-Star second baseman for the American League wearing Yankee pinstripes. They don’t expect him to be traded, but they’re open-minded and willing to listen on all their players if it helps them improve…
“The Yankees do love him, but it doesn’t seem likely they’ll be able to sign him to a long-term contract, meaning he’ll play out his free agent year. Is it likely he’s traded? Probably not. But are they listening if it means getting more right-handed? The answer is yes.”
MLB Insider Urges Yankees to Keep Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Recently, FanSided’s MLB insider Robert Murray shared the latest regarding Chisholm’s future in New York. Murray believes that the infielder has shown himself to be a key player for the Yankees and someone they should look to keep.
“If I was them, I would definitely explore [a contract extension],“ Murray said during a November 20 appearance on “Foul Territory.“ “He was an all-star last year. He’s a tremendous player. He’s really been a great fit in New York, and you talk to people around that team, and they love him. [Yankees general manager] Brian Cashman did not shoot down the idea of a possible extension when he was asked about it at the GM meetings or on a conference call at the GM meetings.”
Murray explains why the Yankees might want to extend Chisholm and keep him in the core alongside Aaron Judge, but he expects the player will eventually explore free agency. When Chisholm enters the open market, the decision will be his: Either negotiate a deal to stay with the Yankees or pursue opportunities with another team.
“[The Yankees] typically don’t extend players before they reach free agency because Cashman prefers his players to reach the market so they can establish their values there,“ Murray added. “He could be an exception to the rule. That being said, he’s a year away from free agency.
“He had a great year this year. If he has another great year next year, he can really just turn that into a very strong contract in free agency. My guess is they poke around, see what it’s going to take. But my feel is it’s probably unlikely that he becomes a free agent after the 2026 season.”
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