AL Rival Predicted to Poach Jazz Chisholm Jr. From Yankees This Offseason

The New York Yankees are gearing up for their upcoming American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

New York went 6-7 against the Rays this season, showing the series being evenly matched. This group has strong confidence entering the matchup, and they believe it could be a special postseason.

But as the players get ready for the next postseason matchup, the front office has to be thinking about the upcoming offseason. While things may be a little different due to the impending lockout, New York still has a few interesting free agents.

One of those is outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., who has struggled for most of the season. Most don't expect the Yankees to bring him back, especially given his ongoing issues at the plate.

For the year, Chisholm hit .231 with 19 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 41 stolen bases. Chisholm also posted an OPS of .711, playing in 137 games for the Yankees.

MLB analyst Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report looked at some of the bigger free agents for the upcoming offseason, which includes Chisholm. Among them, Beaston has Chisholm leaving New York for a contender, with the Seattle Mariners mentioned as an option.

With the Yankees not expected to retain the outfielder, the Mariners could be one of the best landing spots for Chisholm. Seattle struggled all season with offense, and Chisholm could provide the lineup with a major spark.

Even in a down year, Chisholm was able to produce decently for the Yankees and he could bring this type of production to Seattle. Chisholm is still a very effective player in the big leagues, and the Mariners should be seen as real threats to land him from New York.

If Chisholm did go to the Mariners, the Yankees could likely stomach this since they aren't a direct rival in the AL East. While Seattle could be a threat again in the AL next season, the Yankees wouldn't have to see him on a consistent basis over the next few years.

Overall, this could be a beneficial move for both sides, with the Yankees freeing up some money to spend elsewhere and Chisholm getting a nice payday. Chisholm could have multiple teams interested in him, and this could drive up the price to land his services.

But for now, the two sides will focus on the Rays, looking to help this group get back to the World Series. Chisholm could play a big role in this quest, and the Yankees will hope he can produce when the lights are brightest this postseason.