The New York Yankees are entering the 2026 MLB season determined to maintain the offensive dominance that carried them last year, relying not only on superstar Aaron Judge but also on the depth and versatility of players like Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Chisholm, the 27-year-old left-handed slugger, posted a .242 batting average, .332 on-base percentage, and .813 OPS across 130 games in 2025, combining power and speed to become a key contributor in the Yankees’ lineup and overall success.

The infielder also collected 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases, achieving an impressive 30/30 season that underscored his ability to impact the game in every facet, from power hitting to base-running aggression and defensive versatility.

This was Chisholm’s first full season in New York, following his acquisition from the Miami Marlins at the 2024 trade deadline, and he quickly adapted to the Bronx environment, providing both excitement and production for the Yankees’ lineup.

Looking ahead to 2026, Chisholm’s future with the Yankees has become a topic of discussion, as he enters the final year of team control before becoming an unrestricted free agent, prompting the organization to evaluate all strategic options.

According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, the Yankees have expressed that they are “open-minded” regarding the potential of trading Chisholm as a means to strengthen their pitching staff, a critical component of the team’s championship aspirations.

Midway through the offseason, the Yankees have yet to make significant moves to bolster their rotation, keeping the discussion about a possible Chisholm trade alive, though no definitive decisions have been made as of this point.

For the moment, Chisholm remains on the roster and under team control, providing New York with both performance consistency and flexibility, while the arbitration process approached, requiring contract agreements for several eligible players.

Arbitration occurs when a player and team cannot initially agree on a contract, with both sides submitting salary figures to a third-party panel that selects one of the proposals without compromise, creating high stakes for both the player and organization.

According to Jack Curry of YES Network, Chisholm and the Yankees successfully avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $10.2 million contract, allowing both sides to maintain roster stability while keeping future options open.

The Yankees confirmed the agreements across multiple players, including RHP David Bednar, RHP Jake Bird, INF/OF José Caballero, INF Jazz Chisholm Jr., RHP Fernando Cruz, RHP Camilo Doval, RHP Luis Gil, and INF Anthony Volpe, signaling a proactive approach to roster management.

Chisholm’s path to this point has been marked by steady growth, transitioning from a promising prospect to one of MLB’s most dynamic infielders, demonstrating consistent improvement in both offensive production and defensive capability.

Now entering his seventh major league season, Chisholm has already earned two All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger Award, highlighting his standing as a legitimate star and a key building block for New York’s current and future plans.

Whether extended on a long-term contract or ultimately traded, Chisholm’s trajectory and performance will play a significant role in shaping the Yankees’ long-term outlook, influencing both roster construction and payroll strategy in the coming years.

For New York, the decision regarding Chisholm balances immediate competitiveness with future flexibility, as the team seeks to maintain its elite offensive output while continuing to develop pitching depth and maintain financial prudence across the roster.

Chisholm’s versatility as both an infielder and occasional outfielder adds another layer to his value, allowing the Yankees to adjust their lineup strategically and giving them options in how they deploy talent to maximize production and roster efficiency.

Ultimately, Chisholm represents both a present asset and a future bargaining chip, whether the Yankees choose to invest in his long-term presence or leverage him to acquire pitching or other roster pieces that could complement Aaron Judge and the team’s championship window.