Why the 2026 Season Hasn’t Been a Complete Failure for a Yankees Two-Time All-Star
Before the 2026 MLB season began, New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. had the goal of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases. The two-time all-star currently has 18 home runs; hitting that 50-home-run mark is pretty unrealistic. However, during the Yankees’ 9-3 win on Wednesday night against the Houston Astros, Chisholm Jr. stole his 36th base of the year. He’s close to reaching his goal in that category. This season is not a complete failure for the two-time all-star just because he didn’t hit the goal he strived for.
Over the past four series, Chisholm Jr. has recorded 12 hits, five RBIs, and has stolen five bases. During the series against Houston, he’s stolen two bases over the past two games. While on the mound, Astros starter Peter Lambert did not let up, throwing back to first base multiple times to ensure the 28-year-old wouldn’t steal another base. The two-time all-star has become an anomaly on the base path over the past three seasons, swiping 107 bases. He’s very well on his way to pass his career-high of 40 set in 2024. Chisholm Jr. has struggled at the plate; he is almost at his career-high for strikeouts, and his batting average is the lowest it’s been since his rookie season; however, the two-time all-star is redeeming his 2026 season by getting on base, whether that’s from a walk or a hit, and becoming a predominant threat to any pitcher on the mound with his elite speed.
With Cody Bellinger back in the lineup and Aaron Judge slowly making his way back from injury, the Bronx Bombers lineup is legitimate. When you have Bellinger’s, Judge’s, and Ben Rice’s power with Chisholm Jr.’s speed, the Yankees could do damage in the postseason. The AL-leading Tampa Bay Rays should feel worried that New York has won seven of their last 10 games and could keep rolling once their three-time MVP, Judge, returns. The Yankees’ second baseman has been a huge part of their success and should look to continue through September. Chisholm Jr. should feel confident in reaching his 50 stolen base goal; reaching his mark would put him as the Yankee with the eighth-most stolen bases in a single season.
