The New York Yankees are heading into the 2026 MLB season looking to remain the elite offensive force they were last year.
While superstar Aaron Judge led the way, the team’s depth carried the club into elite status, particularly the offensive production from infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.
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The 27-year-old left-handed slugger posted a .242 batting average, .332 on-base percentage and .813 OPS across 130 games. He also collected 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases, an impressive 30/30 season that showcased his ability to impact the game in every facet.
It was Chisholm’s first full season in the Bronx following his arrival at the 2024 trade deadline from the Miami Marlins.
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
As the Yankees look ahead to 2026, Chisholm’s future has come into question. He is entering the final year of team control before hitting unrestricted free agency, and New York has been evaluating all options, including the possibility of trading him.
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MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reported earlier this offseason that the organization is “open minded” toward moving Chisholm as a way to bolster its pitching staff.
Halfway through the winter, the Yankees have yet to address their rotation, so the idea of Chisholm being dealt remains on the table.
For now, though, he is on the roster and under team control. As the Thursday arbitration deadline approached, Chisholm was one of several Yankees who required a new deal.
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Arbitration happens after an eligible player and the team failed to come up with a contract agreement. The two parties submit salary figures to a third-party panel that decides between the two figures, no in-betweens.
According to Jack Curry of YES Network, Chisholm and the Yankees settled on a one-year, $10.2 million contract. The team later confirmed the news in an announcement.
“The Yankees have agreed to terms with 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 on one-year contracts, thus avoiding arbitration,” the club wrote on X.
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Chisholm’s path to this point has been marked by steady growth and impact. Now entering his seventh MLB season, he has already earned two All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger Award, proving himself as one of the league’s most dynamic infielders.
Whether extended or traded, Chisholm’s future will play a significant role in shaping New York’s long-term outlook.
Related: Yankees’ Gerrit Cole Announces New Partnership Amid MLB Offseason
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.