🚨GAME CHANGER: Could Bo Bichette’s Arrival Spell the End for Jazz Chisholm with the New York Yankees?

As New Year’s Day unfolded, the New York Yankees found themselves dealing with a major setback: they lost out on highly touted free agent Tatsuya Imai to the Houston Astros. While that was a major story in the Bronx, another piece of news has also surfaced that could change the direction of their offseason. According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Yankees have checked in on free-agent infielder Bo Bichette, a move that could lead to some significant changes in their infield.

The Yankees’ Interest in Bo Bichette

Bichette, a two-time All-Star and a player with impressive offensive numbers, has generated interest from other big-market teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. But now the Yankees are in the mix, and their interest is particularly intriguing given their current roster setup.

At first glance, adding Bichette to the Yankees seems like a natural fit at shortstop, the position he has played his entire career. However, there’s a catch—Bichette is widely regarded as one of the worst defensive shortstops in baseball, which raises questions about his fit in the Yankees’ system.

Interestingly, Bichette has expressed his willingness to play second base, a position the Yankees have an opening for if they decide to move on from one of their current middle infielders. But that leads to a new question: where does this leave Jazz Chisholm, the flashy second baseman with a lot of upside but a checkered injury history?

Jazz Chisholm’s Future in New York

As reports swirl around the Yankees’ interest in Bichette, Jazz Chisholm’s future with the team has been the subject of growing trade speculation. With just one year left on his contract, Chisholm has been a frequent name in trade rumors this winter. The 27-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance, slashing .242/.332/.481 with 31 home runs and 80 RBIs over 531 plate appearances in 2025, while also stealing 31 bases.

However, Chisholm’s value on the open market may be significant, with expectations that he could command a contract worth $200 million or more next offseason. This price tag could be too steep for the Yankees, especially considering their focus on improving their defense—something Chisholm has struggled with throughout his career.

Additionally, Chisholm’s personality has been described as fiery, which could clash with the Yankees’ relatively subdued clubhouse culture. With the Yankees seemingly committed to having Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero man the shortstop position in 2026, it raises questions about whether Chisholm will continue to fit in the Yankees’ future plans, especially if Bichette is added to the equation.

The Yankees’ Potential Plan: A New Infield Direction

The Yankees’ pursuit of Bo Bichette seems to be signaling a shift in the infield landscape. Bichette is known for his elite bat—he’s a proven hitter who can contribute in a variety of ways, but his defensive struggles make him a questionable fit at shortstop for a team with championship aspirations. Given that the Yankees already have Volpe and Caballero at shortstop, it’s likely that Bichette would be a potential option at second base.

This, of course, opens up the question of what happens to Jazz Chisholm. The Yankees’ recent moves indicate they’re not completely sold on Chisholm, especially with Chisholm’s contract situation looming large and with his playstyle potentially not aligning with what the Yankees want going forward.

There’s also the factor of left-handed hitters: Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman has publicly acknowledged that the team’s lineup has become too lefty-heavy. This means Chisholm, a left-handed hitter, could be deemed redundant if Bichette, a right-handed batter, is brought in.

Why This Matters Now: Trade Speculation Around Chisholm

This is where the potential for a trade comes into play. If the Yankees continue their pursuit of Bichette, it might make Chisholm’s situation even more uncertain. The Yankees have made it clear that they are open to “challenge trades” for some of their talented hitters. Chisholm, being a high-value asset with just one year left on his contract, could be a prime candidate for a trade if the Yankees decide to clear up some roster spots or pursue additional talent elsewhere.

It’s also important to remember that Chisholm’s defensive shortcomings have been a factor in his trade discussions. If the Yankees can get value for him before he hits free agency, they may take that route, especially if they feel that Bichette could bring the offensive upgrade they need without compromising the defense as much at second base.

What’s Next for Chisholm and the Yankees?

The Yankees’ interest in Bo Bichette could very well be a precursor to a significant shift in their infield situation. If Bichette lands in New York, it could mean Jazz Chisholm becomes expendable, particularly with the Yankees’ reported desire to move on from left-handed hitters in favor of a more balanced lineup.

If the Yankees don’t land Bichette, the Chisholm trade rumors will only intensify, and the Yankees might look elsewhere to improve their middle infield. Either way, this situation seems to be heading toward a decision point for both Chisholm and the Yankees, with plenty of speculation on what the future holds.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Chisholm’s Career in New York?

If the Yankees land Bo Bichette, the writing may be on the wall for Jazz Chisholm’s time in New York. The team seems far more committed to their shortstop situation with Volpe and Caballero and may not be as attached to Chisholm, especially given his contract status and injury history.

As the Yankees continue to evaluate their roster and consider the future of their infield, one thing is clear: the decision to pursue Bichette only increases the likelihood that Chisholm will be traded. The coming weeks will be crucial for both players and could set the tone for how the Yankees shape their infield heading into the 2026 season.