LAS VEGAS — The Yankees have several ways to replace Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base, but their latest prospect results present a less obvious choice that could shape the position beyond next season.
New York has already tested Anthony Volpe at second and can turn to other players on its major league roster. Yet a switch-hitting infielder who opened 2026 in High-A has made a case for closer attention after a season of improved production and defensive versatility.
The decision carries weight after the Yankees declined to extend Chisholm a $23.15 million qualifying offer. The former All-Star is a free agent, and New York must decide whether to spend on a replacement or trust its existing depth.
General manager Brian Cashman offered no commitment to a starter during the general managers meetings Tuesday. His comments nevertheless kept the door open to competition within an organization that now has more than one candidate.
Cashman opens second-base competition after Chisholm decision
Cashman said the Yankees have multiple players who want an opportunity at second base, while he continues evaluating outside solutions. His explanation did not identify a winner or rule out another acquisition.
“I think we have people that, you know, internally certainly want to take their run at that. Those are multiple players, and then we will see what’s external at the same time,” Cashman said.
He also emphasized that the club has not reached the stage of assigning positions for 2027. That leaves Volpe, José Caballero and Luis García Jr. among the established possibilities.
“But we do have internal options, you know, that I’d say that we’re comfortable with. But at the same time, it’s my job to explore any outside opportunities that may exist as well,” Cashman said.
Cashman has informed García’s agent that the Yankees view him as a first baseman and second baseman, rather than a third baseman. García played mostly first base after his 2026 trade from Washington, making second base another possible route to regular playing time.
Roderick Arias makes a measurable push beyond his bat
Roderick Arias, 22, offers a longer-term alternative. The Yankees promoted the former international signing to Double-A Somerset on Aug. 4 after a strong run with Hudson Valley. He finished 2026 batting .267 with 16 home runs, 84 RBIs, 38 stolen bases and a .784 OPS in 128 minor league games.
His season also changed the way the Yankees can evaluate his infield future. Arias played second base, third base and shortstop, providing a possible bridge between current needs and the club’s developing prospect group.
The most relevant defensive number came at second. Official minor league fielding totals show Arias committed two errors in 29 games at the position, producing a .977 fielding percentage over 237 2/3 innings. His 74 games at third base came with 18 errors and an .893 fielding percentage.
Those figures do not establish major league readiness, but they give the Yankees a concrete reason to evaluate Arias at second rather than treat him strictly as a shortstop prospect. He is a switch-hitter, a separate advantage if the Yankees want flexibility against opposing pitching.
Arias and Volpe offer different routes to the same opening
Volpe is the more immediate option. He made 19 starts at second base in Triple-A during 2026 and later played the position in the majors after Chisholm injured his thumb. In September, the Yankees reported that Volpe had committed one error in 162 1/3 minor league innings at second, a .987 fielding percentage at that point.
Arias has not played above Double-A. That gap makes a 2027 opening-day platoon with Volpe a possibility to monitor rather than an arrangement the Yankees have announced. Arias’ ability to bat from both sides could make him useful in a rotation, although a switch-hitter and a right-handed hitter do not automatically form a conventional platoon.
Arias also struck out 164 times in 547 plate appearances during 2026, according to his minor league totals. That swing-and-miss rate is a significant obstacle to calling him an immediate answer despite his offensive improvement.
The roster decision is bigger than one free-agent departure
New York’s internal competition extends to how it arranges García, Ben Rice and the remaining infield. Cashman’s comments suggest the Yankees front office wants flexibility before making a financial commitment to a new second baseman.
Chisholm hit .231 with 19 home runs, 55 RBIs and 41 stolen bases in 137 games in 2026. Replacing that combination of speed and power is different from simply filling the position on the field. The Yankees can also pursue veterans Brandon Lowe or Luis Arraez if their internal choices do not satisfy them.
As of Nov. 11, Cashman has not named Arias, Volpe or García as the everyday second baseman. Arias remains a Double-A prospect whose 2026 work gives the Yankees another development option, while the major league opening remains unresolved.
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