After a disappointing season that saw the New York Yankees fall short of their championship aspirations, failing to advance to the American League Championship Series, the team is now focused on rebuilding and strengthening its roster. Amid uncertainties, one thing is clear: Jazz Chisholm Jr. is set to be a cornerstone of the Yankees’ infield moving forward.
Acquired at last year’s trade deadline, Chisholm brought a dynamic blend of power and speed to the Yankees’ lineup. His historic 2025 season, where he became only the third player in franchise history to achieve 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season, solidified his value to the team. Now, the 27-year-old infielder is poised for a significant pay raise as he heads into the offseason.
Chisholm earned $5.85 million in 2025, but projections from Spotrac suggest his arbitration salary for 2026 could at least double to $11 million, whether determined by an arbitration panel or through a new deal with the Yankees. However, Chisholm has made it clear he’s not just looking for a one-year contract. According to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News, Chisholm is eager to negotiate a long-term extension with the Yankees, even expressing willingness to sign at a “discounted rate” for the security of staying in New York.
“While Chisholm hopes to talk about an extension this offseason, he’ll get a nice pay bump either way after making $5.85 million in 2025,” Phillips reported on Tuesday.
A long-term deal would provide Chisholm with financial stability while potentially saving the Yankees money compared to the cost of re-signing him when he becomes eligible for free agency. This move would also solidify an infield facing uncertainty, particularly at shortstop, and pair Chisholm’s speed and versatility with the power of franchise star Aaron Judge.
Chisholm’s commitment to a long-term future with the Yankees is a potential win-win, offering the player security and the team a cost-effective way to lock in a dynamic talent. As the Yankees regroup, Chisholm’s contract decision could be a pivotal step toward building a competitive roster for 2026 and beyond.