NEW YORK — MLB Network released its Top 10 second basemen rankings for 2026 on Sunday night. Jazz Chisholm Jr. landed at No. 2 on the list, right behind Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte. The recognition came as no surprise to Yankees fans who watched him put together a historic season.
But the honor also highlights a growing concern in the Bronx. Chisholm is entering the final year of his contract. He will earn $10.2 million in 2026 before hitting free agency next fall. And with his star rising, the cost to keep him is climbing too.
Historic 2025 campaign boosted his value
The 27-year-old infielder delivered the best season of his career last year. He slashed .242/.332/.481 across 130 games. He blasted 31 home runs and swiped 31 bases to join the exclusive 30-30 club.
That achievement made him just the third player in Yankees history to accomplish the feat. Bobby Bonds did it in 1975. Alfonso Soriano managed it twice in 2002 and 2003. Now Chisholm’s name sits beside theirs in the franchise record books.
The performance earned him a second career All-Star selection. He also won his first Silver Slugger Award. His 4.2 WAR ranked third on the entire Yankees roster behind only Aaron Judge and Juan Soto before Soto’s departure.
Analyst projects massive extension demand
CBS Sports reporter Mike Axisa recently named Chisholm as one of the top candidates to receive a contract extension this year. The analyst believes the Bahamian star could be eyeing a deal similar to what Willy Adames received from the Giants.
“I would guess Chisholm and his camp are eyeing Willy Adames’ seven-year, $182 million deal with the Giants,” Axisa wrote. “Adames signed his deal at age 29 and put up 12.7 WAR in the three years prior to free agency. Chisholm is at 10.3 WAR the last three years.”
That comparison puts the Yankees in a tough spot. They do not typically hand out major extensions. And the Adames contract has not paid immediate dividends for San Francisco. His numbers dropped across the board in his first season with the Giants.
Chisholm has expressed desire to stay
The good news for Yankees fans is that Chisholm has made his feelings clear. He has publicly expressed his love for playing in New York. He previously told The Athletic that he does “not want to leave New York.”
General manager Brian Cashman has also left the door open to a deal. He noted during the offseason that he is open to having “a legitimate conversation about value” with Chisholm. The two sides have yet to begin formal extension talks.
The Yankees were linked to trading Chisholm throughout the winter. Bo Bichette was a primary target. But the Mets swooped in and signed the former Blue Jays star to a three-year, $126 million deal. That move likely ended any trade talks involving Chisholm.
Numbers back his elite status
Chisholm co-led all MLB second basemen with 31 home runs in 2025. He finished inside the top five at the position in OPS, slugging and WAR. His .813 OPS ranked second only to Marte among qualified second basemen.
MLB Network analyst Cliff Floyd praised Marte as the best second baseman in the sport. But Chisholm was right on his heels. The ranking validates what Yankees fans witnessed all season long.
Meanwhile, Marcus Semien, who was the highest-paid second baseman in 2025, struggled offensively. The former Ranger earned an average of $25 million per season but posted just 15 home runs with a .669 OPS over 127 games. The Mets acquired him in a trade this winter.
Semien ranked fifth on the MLB Network list. Four spots behind Chisholm.
Contract year motivation adds intrigue
Chisholm enters 2026 with additional motivation. A strong final year under contract could push his market value even higher. After accomplishing his first 30-30 season, he was asked about potentially reaching 40-40.
“I think I’ve been saying that since I was a rookie,” Chisholm told reporters. “I definitely think 40/40 is achievable with a full, healthy season.”
The Yankees now face a critical decision. Pay up and lock down one of the best second basemen in baseball. Or risk watching him walk to the highest bidder next winter. Either way, the clock is ticking.
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