ORLANDO, Fla. — The Yankees will listen to trade offers for Jazz Chisholm Jr. Brian Cashman made that much clear at the Winter Meetings.
The All-Star second baseman just posted a historic 30/30 season. He won his first Silver Slugger Award. He became only the third player in franchise history to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same year.
And yet, the Yankees are exploring trades that could send him packing.
Cashman admits lineup imbalance creates trade possibilities
The Yankees have a problem. Their lineup is loaded with left-handed hitters. Ben Rice at first. Chisholm at second. Ryan McMahon at third. Trent Grisham in center. Austin Wells behind the plate.
If Cody Bellinger returns, that makes six lefty bats in the everyday lineup.
Cashman was asked Sunday if he would consider trading regulars to fix the imbalance. His answer opened a door many fans hoped would stay shut.
“They would be hard to pull off because, again, I fall back to we have good players that we like having them here,” Cashman said. “But because of the imbalance, yes, I’m certainly exploring if there are options.”
The general manager acknowledged the difficulty but did not rule anything out.
“My sense would be that I would not do whatever,” Cashman said. “I think the default is going to be like it’s going to be hard to pull that off. But I acknowledge it at the same time we’re too left-handed.”
Chisholm’s value as a trade chip cannot be ignored
Chisholm is entering the final year of his contract. He can become a free agent after the 2026 season. The Yankees have not discussed an extension with him.
Cashman acknowledged the situation directly.
“You could do either one,” Cashman said about an extension or trade. “Our history is we’ve let these things play out for better or for worse. He is somebody who I think is currently part of the solution, someone who has made us better by getting him two deadlines ago and giving us athleticism.”
The praise continued from there.
“He’s an All-Star second baseman,” Cashman said. “Great defense. Steals bags. Power. All that stuff. So he’s been a good get.”
Then came the qualifier that raised eyebrows.
“But at the same time, the collection of all, whether it’s third base, second base, first base, catcher, center field… they’re all left-handed hitters,” Cashman said. “My default is these are all individually good players.”
The numbers back up Chisholm’s elite status
Chisholm hit .242 with 31 home runs, 80 RBI and 31 stolen bases in 2025. He posted an .813 OPS across 130 games. He recorded 4.2 WAR according to Baseball Reference.
He became just the third Yankee in history to reach 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season. Bobby Bonds accomplished the feat in 1975. Alfonso Soriano did it in 2002 and 2003.
The 27-year-old helped the Yankees lead the majors in runs scored with 849. The club set a franchise record with 274 home runs. Chisholm was a massive part of both achievements.
Extension talks have gone nowhere
Cashman revealed at the GM meetings last month that no extension conversations have taken place with Chisholm’s representatives.
“We have not had any conversations outside of he’s looking forward to playing next year, he loves playing here, and, if we’re open to having a legitimate conversation about value, open to a longer-term conversation as well,” Cashman said at the time.
Yankees insider Bryan Hoch described the organization as “lukewarm” about extending Chisholm. He floated the idea of trading the second baseman during an appearance on SNY last week.
“Dynamic player, but do the Yankees see him as their future at second base?” Hoch said. “And if not, he could probably bring a significant return right here. He might be one of your best trade chips.”
The Yankees rarely extend players before free agency
Cashman has been the Yankees general manager since 1998. The organization has not prioritized extensions during his tenure.
Derek Jeter played out his contract. Mariano Rivera did the same. Aaron Judge reached free agency before signing his record-breaking deal.
The Yankees have completed just six extensions since 2006 according to MLB Trade Rumors. They have not done one since 2019. That year they extended Luis Severino, Aaron Hicks and Aroldis Chapman. All three players are gone now.
That history suggests Chisholm may play out 2026 without a new contract. He would then hit free agency at 28 years old and likely command north of $25 million annually on a multi-year deal.
Chisholm wants to stay in the Bronx
Chisholm has made his feelings known. He loves the Yankees. He wants to remain a Yankee. He is open to discussing a long-term deal.
The organization has not reciprocated with serious talks. Now Cashman confirms they are willing to listen to trade offers. The same player who delivered a franchise-altering 30/30 season could be wearing a different uniform by Opening Day.
For now, Chisholm remains a Yankee. But in the high-stakes environment of the Winter Meetings, that status could change at any moment.
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