Cincinnati Reds Named Potential Landing Spot for Top Free Agent

The Cincinnati Reds should consider adding Jazz Chisholm Jr. in free agency, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Feinsand wrote an article this week, naming the top landing spots for the impending free agent. The Reds were included on a short list of best spots for Chisholm.

It makes clear sense why. The 28-year-old second baseman could address one of their biggest offensive weaknesses. Signing him though may be difficult if he wants a multi-year commitment, especially for a small-market organization like the Reds.

The Reds posted a .608 OPS at second base, which ranked 29th in the majors, and a .693 OPS against right-handed pitching, which ranked 27th. Those are two areas where Cincinnati desperately needs more production if they wanted to contend in 2027, and Chisholm would give them a chance to address both at once.

Chisholm finished 2026 with a .231 batting average, .312 on-base percentage and .711 OPS across 137 games for the New York Yankees. He hit 19 home runs, drove in 55 runs and stole 41 bases. It was a down year for his standards as a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger.

His power and speed would play well in Cincinnati, particularly at Great American Ball Park. Chisholm and Elly De La Cruz playing up the middle every day would become one of the most dangerous in the league.

The Reds need that kind of impact. Chisholm would offer an everyday answer at second base and a player capable of creating runs without relying solely on home runs. He also brings strong defense to the mix, recording 15 outs above average and a fielding run value of 8 in 2026, according to Statcast's Baseball Savant.

There are some reasons the Reds could pass though. Chisholm missed time with a sprained right thumb in September and finished with 157 strikeouts in 532 plate appearances. His .711 OPS was below league-average, and there is a chance that he never gets back to an elite level.

The bigger obstacle is likely how much his next contract will cost. Chisholm is one of the best players on the market this year. There are not many players that have reached his ceiling available.

A shorter deal could make sense for the Reds, especially if Chisholm wants to rebuild his value before returning to free agency. But that arrangement depends on what he wants and what other teams offer.

Cincinnati may be a fit on paper, but the Reds' willingness to spend will ultimately decide whether they are in the mix for Chisholm.