NEW YORK — Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been clear about his future. The New York Yankees infielder wants to stay in the Bronx, but he is leaving the decision up to the front office.
After joining the 30-30 club on Sept. 19, Chisholm addressed his future directly. His words carried weight after another standout night.
“I don’t want to leave New York,” Chisholm said, per The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner. “If you’ve ever played here, you would never want to leave. It just depends on if they want me. That’s the difference. Do they want a 40-40 player? You tell me.”
Star’s performance speaks volumes
The 27-year-old became the third Yankee in franchise history to hit at least 30 home runs and steal at least 30 bases in the same season. The only others were Bobby Bonds in 1975 and Alfonso Soriano in 2002 and 2003. The milestone had not been reached in New York for more than two decades.
Chisholm’s numbers are even more impressive considering he missed 28 games with a right oblique strain. Despite the absence, he still made history.
Since arriving from the Miami Marlins at the 2024 trade deadline, Chisholm has transformed the Yankees’ lineup. In 168 games with the team, he has hit .251 with a .330 on-base percentage and .489 slugging percentage. He has 41 home runs and 100 RBIs during that span. He was named an All-Star in 2025 and has quickly become one of New York’s most impactful players.
Manager Aaron Boone has praised Chisholm’s value, noting that his totals would be even greater if not for the time missed.
Financial landscape creates uncertainty
Chisholm signed a one-year, $5.85 million contract with New York in January 2025 to avoid arbitration. He has one more arbitration year remaining before free agency in 2027. That leaves the Yankees with a decision to make.
They can pursue a long-term extension, allow him to go year by year through arbitration, or risk him leaving in free agency. League insiders believe he is tracking toward a contract worth at least nine figures.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan has pointed to Chisholm as one of the top candidates in the 2026-27 free agent class to secure such a deal. His combination of power, speed and defensive versatility makes him a rare asset.
Chisholm’s market value could soar in 2026
Chisholm’s 2026 arbitration salary projects to rise significantly, with estimates ranging from $10 million to $15 million. That jump reflects his growth since joining the Yankees.
The biggest payday looms in 2027. If he maintains his current production and avoids injuries, a contract worth more than $100 million is within reach. Some projections suggest six years and $125 million could be realistic. That deal would carry him through his early 30s while giving the Yankees certainty.
A healthy season producing five WAR would make him one of the most sought-after players in his class. Teams looking for a dynamic middle infielder with power and speed would line up, and competition could push his value beyond initial estimates.
Complications on the horizon
The Yankees face difficult roster choices. Cody Bellinger can opt for free agency this offseason, and ownership may prioritize his return. Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has historically avoided in-season extension talks, with Aaron Judge being a rare exception.
The Yankees are cautious about committing to multiple expensive long-term deals at once. Financial flexibility will be part of the equation. Extension talks with Chisholm, if they occur, will likely wait until the offseason.
Marlins chapter closed for good
Chisholm was blunt when describing his past with Miami. He said a negative clubhouse environment prevented him from reaching his potential.
“I always knew I could be that guy,” Chisholm said, per Kirschner. “I said it when I was younger, I believed I was a 40-40 player. I don’t want to use it as an excuse, but when you’re around the energy you’re around, you’re forced to be that way.”
He added that New York has provided the stability he needed. “Now that I’m in a place that I could be stable every day and know that I don’t have none of those things going on around me anymore, I can hang out and be all right. I’m calm every game. I don’t have to think about having an argument with somebody after the game or before the game.”
For Chisholm, the contrast between Miami and New York is sharp. He has thrived in the culture of winning and high expectations that comes with wearing pinstripes.
Historic achievement within reach
Jazz Chisholm’s 30 stolen bases this season are the second most of his career, behind the 40 he recorded last year across Miami and New York. His mix of speed and power could put him in position to reach an even greater milestone.
Only six players in baseball history have produced a 40-40 season. None have done it in a Yankees uniform. Alex Rodriguez managed it in 1998 with Seattle, but not with New York.
“I think I’ve been saying that from the time I was a rookie,” Chisholm said. “I definitely think 40-40’s achievable in a full, healthy season.”
His confidence reflects the approach he has shown since coming to the Bronx. He has embraced the challenge of the spotlight and delivered.
Defensive versatility adds value
Chisholm’s defense increases his worth even further. After being traded in 2024, he adapted to third base despite having no professional experience at the position. In 2025, he has excelled at second base, where his plus-2 Fielding Run Value ranks in the 87th percentile.
He has also seen time at shortstop and center field, giving Boone rare flexibility. That versatility will be another factor in contract negotiations, as clubs covet players who can handle multiple positions.
Decision time approaches
The Yankees now face a major choice. Chisholm has done his part, producing at an elite level and voicing his desire to remain. His presence has added energy to the clubhouse and depth to the lineup.
The question is whether the Yankees are ready to invest. Allowing him to reach free agency could open the door to a bidding war. Extending him now means betting on his health and consistency.
The organization has a history of waiting before making commitments. But in Chisholm’s case, waiting carries risk. As the season closes, one thing is clear. Chisholm wants to be a Yankee. The decision now belongs to the team.
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