Per MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, the New York Yankees are entertaining a potential trade of star second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. Hoch’s initial report came around mid-December, and since then, there have been no further rumors. That is, until now; Jon Heyman of the New York Post confirmed in an article published on Thursday that both “the Yankees and [Chicago] Cubs are fielding inquiries on their star 2B who are free agents after 2026 (Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Nico Hoerner).”
A trade of this magnitude would be a major move for New York; not only should they receive a solid return if they were to trade Chisholm, but they’d also find themselves with a huge gap to fill at second base. Interestingly, in the same report, Heyman also notes that the Yankees (along with the Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers) have recently checked in on All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette. Bichette, not known for his defensive prowess as a shortstop, could be a viable candidate to fill in for Chisholm and switch over to second base if the Yankees do decide to pull the trigger on a trade.
Report: Yankees Floating Possible Trade of Jazz Chisholm Jr.
No Extension Talks
Chisholm, who finished 2025 tied for first in home runs, third in RBI, and second in OPS among all major league second basemen, will hit free agency at the end of next season. There have been no indications that the Yankees have discussed a contract extension with the Bahamas native.
https://t.co/Y9o25h8WGG Yankees among big-market teams showing interest in Bo Bichette (plus many more notes) @nypostsports
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 1, 2026
This apparent lack of a desire to keep Chisholm is a bit odd, especially considering the fact that he just had the first 30-30 season by a second baseman since Ian Kinsler in 2011, and became just the fourth second baseman in history to do so. Chisholm also accomplished the feat despite missing almost 30 games due to an oblique strain he suffered in April. This begs the question of what plan the Yankees could possibly have up their sleeve for next season if Chisholm isn’t a part of it.
Zero Improvements
New York seems quite content with their current lineup; sure, it was objectively the best in MLB last season in terms of home runs and OPS, but as of right now, it appears that they’ve only gotten worse. Cody Bellinger, a key piece of last year’s lineup, very well may move on from the Bronx after just one season. In addition, Trent Grisham, who accepted a qualifying offer in November to remain with the Yankees, probably won’t be able to repeat his magical 2025. Taking Chisholm out of the equation would only make things that much worse, especially since the Yankees haven’t made any moves that would compensate for the production they’d be missing.
Should They Deal Him Away?
The return for a player of Chisholm’s caliber would likely be a good one, but more so in terms of prospects rather than MLB-ready talent. If the Yankees do trade Chisholm, they’ll have a hard time finding a player who has his speed, fielding skills, and hitting prowess. But perhaps most of all, they will sorely miss his electric presence in the clubhouse and on the field. While Chisholm did struggle last postseason as well as the year prior (he posted an OPS below .600 in both the 2024 and ’25 postseasons), he is still far too valuable a player to be shopping around, unless, of course, the return is an offer New York can’t refuse.
Main Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images