The New York Yankees’ 2026 season ended in disappointment when the Tampa Bay Rays swept the ALDS in three games. Although the Yankees’ season did not meet expectations, the Bronx Bombers did have some positives in 2026. Even with all the injuries sustained on this New York team, manager Aaron Boone still led the team to 93 wins. 2026 saw the addition of some young players such as George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones, who will look to remain in the Yankees lineup for the decade, with the hope that this will lead the Bronx Bombers to a 28th World Series by 2030. With the offseason looming, this team has some decisions to make. One of those decisions is whether they should re-sign two-time all-star Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is set to become an unrestricted free agent once the offseason begins.
This past season, the two-time all-star played in 137 games for New York. Chisholm Jr. recorded 109 hits, 19 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 41 stolen bases, while putting up a .231 batting average. The 28-year-old infielder notoriously talked about charting the 50-50 mark, but struggled offensively throughout the year. His base running is what led to the two-time all-star having somewhat of a successful season after finishing with 41 steals. During the MLB Postseason, Chisholm Jr. appeared in four games, putting up a .182 batting average after going two for 11 at the plate. The lack of offense by the 28-year-old infielder, as well as other Yankees in the lineup, would be a key reason why New York would be eliminated by Tampa Bay in the ALDS.
New York’s infield may be filled with most of their young talent for the 2027 season. We could see 27-year-old Ben Rice at first base, 25-year-old Anthony Volpe at second, the 21-year-old Lombard Jr. at shortstop, and then 31-year-old Ryan McMahon at third. Perhaps Amed Rosario could replace McMahon if the Yankees re-sign Rosario. With the influx of young talent New York has, we may not see Chisholm Jr. back in pinstripes in 2027. The 28-year-old is looking for a long-term deal and somewhere to call home for the rest of his career. With the money he’s looking to receive and with the money New York has spent on several of their guys, a potential reunion may be out of the picture.
However, New York has to consider what Chisholm Jr. has done for the team over the past two and a half seasons as a member of the Yankees. In two and a half seasons, the two-time all-star has stolen 100 bases with the Bronx Bombers. The 28-year-old had his best offensive season in 2025 when he belted 31 homers, recorded 80 RBIs, and stole 31 bases. If both sides are interested in a reunion in 2027, that could be a boost for New York’s infield and even their bench. Having Chisholm Jr., Volpe, or Lombard Jr. on the bench gives the Yankees a bat they can rely on in key moments, and even fill in for someone if injured.
If we’re being realistic, the Yankees most likely will not extend or re-sign Chisholm Jr. The two-time all-star is looking to get paid and have a long-term term, and I’m not sure if the Bronx Bombers viewed the 28-year-old as a long-term option. Perhaps they once did, but now, with all the young talent making names for themselves in pinstripes, the Yankees front office might view this signing differently. Lombard Jr., Volpe, Rice, and Jones are all young pieces New York is banking on to help achieve their first World Series Championship since 2009. Having Chisholm Jr. back would be great for the fans since he’s a fan favorite, but I do not think a long-term signing will work in the eyes of the Yankees.
