It takes a lot to surprise Yankees fans in late November. Everyone knows Brian Cashman is calling on relievers, that the Cody Bellinger file is open on his desk, and that the shortstop depth chart gets thin fast with Anthony Volpe sidelined to start the year. But a line buried in Bryan Hoch’s latest MLB.com newsletter raised an eyebrow across the industry. He floated the idea that Jazz Chisholm Jr. Could be a trade chip.
That’s a curveball.
Chisholm just put up a 31-homer, 31-steal season. He’s the kind of athletic, dynamic player the Yankees haven’t had in years. Yet Hoch notes that Chisholm is entering his walk year, has expressed interest in an extension, but the club has been “lukewarm” on the idea.
The Yankees are in a weird place with Chisholm.
They like him. They traded real prospect capital to get him. He produces. He fills multiple needs. But New York is also staring at a roster that needs bullpen help and may need an infielder immediately. They have real interest in bringing Bellinger back. They’ve checked in on Kyle Tucker. And they still have an outfield logjam if all these fronts break their way. That’s the kind of environment where even good players become movable pieces.
Is it likely? Not especially. Chisholm still represents athleticism, energy, and a left-handed bat in a ballpark begging for them. But it’s not impossible either.
But, if the Yankees believe they can lock in Bellinger or Tucker, and they can address their other needs via a trade of Chisholm instead of prospects, they wouldn't shy away from it.
The Yankees need bullpen arms and possibly a starter. They may need an infielder. They definitely need roster balance. And they sure could use some financial flexibility heading into 2026. Chisholm checks a lot of boxes — both for helping them win and for helping them reshape the roster if they choose that route.
That’s why Hoch’s line about him matters. It’s not a prediction. It’s a reminder that the Yankees are entering an offseason where almost nothing can be ruled out.
