The New York Yankees’ recently reported interest in Bo Bichette looks less like a one-off and more like part of a broader infield recalibration.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees are among three teams — along with the Dodgers and Cubs — that have checked in on Bichette. In the very next breath, Heyman noted that the Yankees are also listening to offers on Jazz Chisholm Jr., a pairing of information that adds important context to both situations.
Taken together, it suggests the Yankees are considering an infield switch-up.
Bichette enters free agency as one of the most accomplished bats available. Over his MLB career with the Blue Jays, Bichette has established himself as a consistent offensive force, earning multiple All-Star selections and finishing with over 1,000 career hits. In 2025, Bichette slashed.294/.342/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs while leading his club in run production before suffering a left knee injury late in the season; he returned in the World Series and went deep in Game 7.
In 130 games, Chisholm hit.242/.332/.481 with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases in 2025, joining the exclusive 30-30 club for his first time and giving New York a rare blend of power and speed. Chisholm is entering his last year of team control, and according to reports, the Yankees have not shown interest in re-signing him.
Bichette represents a different offensive profile than Chisholm, offering right-handed production and a more traditional shortstop skill set. Chisholm, meanwhile, brings speed, versatility, and left-handed power, but also comes with questions about fit and long-term role. By engaging on both fronts, the Yankees are effectively stress-testing their own roster construction.
Adding context to New York’s infield picture, shortstop Anthony Volpe is expected to begin the 2026 season on the injured list as he recovers from shoulder surgery, which some suggest affected his 2025 performance. Meanwhile, third baseman Ryan McMahon, under contract through 2027, hit.208 with four home runs in 54 games after the Yankees acquired him, leaving questions about long-term run production at the hot corner that could factor into offseason decisions.
Brian Cashman is thorough in his offseason, "checking in" on the top players to see what is possible. But what is interesting about this nugget is the timing. With teams still sorting through free agency and trade priorities, the Yankees appear to be positioning themselves for optionality rather than urgency. Exploring Bichette while listening on Chisholm allows them to pivot quickly if either market moves.
