New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm just made it clear that this is probably his last year in the Bronx.
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm is entering the final year of his contract, and there has been considerable deliberation as to whether or not the two-time All-Star will return after 2026.
But Chisholm basically just confirmed that this will be his last season in the Bronx.
How? By revealing his astronomical contract demands.
“What did I tell you last year? $300 million?” Chisholm said, via Randy Miller of NJ.com. “It’s probably bigger than that now, probably $35 million (per year). ... I’m 28. I want eight-to-10 years.”
So essentially, Chisholm is seeking a contract worth in the neighborhood of $350 million, which puts him in Aaron Judge territory.
Now, obviously, just because Chisholm is looking for $350 million does not mean he will get it. Most feel he will probably secure a deal around $200 million. But the fact that Chisholm is already aiming that high probably seals his Yankees fate.
Earlier in the offseason, Brian Cashman said the team would consider a contract extension for Chisholm, but New York never seemed to get around to it. Given the fact that the Yankees don't typically hand out extensions, that wasn't too surprising.
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm. Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images.New York has a couple of talented middle infielders in George Lombard Jr. and Dax Kilby in the minor leagues, so it stands to reason that the Yanks are viewing those two as their future up the middle.
Signing Chisholm to a lucrative long-term deal would obviously throw a wrench into that, and with Hal Steinbrenner being very payroll-conscious as is is, it's looking more and more like a Chisholm reunion isn't happening.
It certainly wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if Chisholm departs. He is a good player who smashed 31 home runs to go along with 31 stolen bases in 2025, but he is definitely not indispensable.
In fact, the Bahamas native was the subject of trade speculation earlier in the offseason, and some won't even rule out the possibility of Chisholm being dealt before the MLB trade deadline.
A midseason trade seems rather unlikely with the Yankees trying to win a World Series, but if they somehow fall out of contention by early August, there exists a world in which Chisholm could be moved.
Regardless, 2026 will probably be Chisholm's swan song in the Big Apple.
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