Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s future in the Bronx may not be as settled as it appeared when the New York Yankees first acquired him, and one insider believes the organization could eventually explore a trade if questions aren’t answered in the near future.
Speaking about New York’s infield outlook, MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch raised the possibility that Chisholm could become a movable piece, but only if the Yankees don’t view him as their long-term answer at second base.
“Do the Yankees see him as their future at second base? And if not, he could probably bring a significant return right here,” Hoch said.
When the Yankees brought in Chisholm, the idea was obvious, as he has elite athleticism, speed, power from the left side, and positional flexibility. On talent alone, he’s the type of player teams want. However, he could be expensive in free agency and that’s something they’ll have to consider.
The Yankees hoped Chisholm could provide a solution at second base and as a player, he’s done that. If the front office ultimately decides he’s not going to be a guy they pay, then why keep him would be the question.
Chisholm certainly carries real trade value across the league. For teams looking to add athleticism or a spark offensively, he’d immediately become one of the more appealing middle-infield options available. If we’re being honest, he’d be the best player available.
From the Yankees’ perspective, the timing wouldn’t make much sense considering they’re trying to win and don’t have a whole lot of time with this core to do so.
Replacing him would be tough, as that could come internally through development or externally via trade or free agency. Either way, the Yankees don’t have a great option to replace him in either route.
I’d like to say that keeping Chisholm shouldn’t even be a question, but it is one for whatever reason. In the same breath, I’d be shocked if he gets moved. I don’t think the Yankees would seriously consider moving on from a 30-30 second baseman when they’re trying to win a World Series.
It’d be such a bad look for the front office and one that gets a lot of heat from fans.