Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s future with the New York Yankees remains a key storyline as the 2026 MLB season unfolds. With his contract set to expire after this season, Chisholm will enter free agency, but following the Yankees’ recent approach with players like Cody Bellinger, it is expected that he will finish the year before any extension talks take place. Throughout his time with the Yankees since being traded from the Miami Marlins in 2024, Chisholm has posted a .251 batting average, alongside 160 hits, 42 home runs, 103 RBIs, and 103 runs scored over 176 games, according to StatMuse.
During the Yankees’ 6-4 defeat against the New York Mets on February 22 at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Chisholm shared his thoughts with YES Network about his future and loyalty to the team.
I don’t really think about being a free agent,
Chisholm told Meredith Marakovits.
Everybody knows I love New York, and I want to be in New York, so being a free agent isn’t really on my mind as much as anything. I feel like having the right teammates around you, the right guys around you, helps a lot, you know; [Aaron] Judge, [Gerrit] Cole, [Cody Bellinger], [Giancarlo] Stanton, [José] Caballero, all these guys, [Anthony] Volpe.
Having all these guys around you, they help a lot, especially with guys who have already been through it, who have been through their free agent year last year and their contract and playing, and it’s hard not to look at that. But the thing that’s really driving us, or me, is that World Series. That’s why I love being here, because every year we have a chance to win the World Series and I love that.
Manager Aaron Boone Comments on Chisholm’s Contract Status
Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed the challenges that can come with entering a contract year and how Chisholm is handling the pressure. Boone remains optimistic about Chisholm’s mindset amid the uncertainty.
I don’t expect [the contract situation to impact him],
Boone said to reporters on February 17 (h/t SNY).
I feel like he’s in a really good frame of mind. He’s incredibly confident for good reason in his ability to go out there. Bottom line is he goes out there and goes to the post and does and hopefully keeps even improving in his game. He’s going to put himself in a really good position come the end of the season.
Chisholm’s Ambitious Goals for the 2026 Season
Chisholm is coming off a notable 2025 campaign where he recorded a .242/.332/.481 slash line, hit a career-high 31 home runs, and swiped 31 bases in 130 games. His achievement placed him among only seven MLB players with a 30-30 season. Building on that momentum, the Yankees infielder has set an ambitious goal to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases this year.
Sharing his mindset with Meredith Marakovits, Chisholm explained his motivation behind aiming high.
I just feel like once you put your mind to something, you could always do it,
he said.
I’ve been saying stuff all my career, and I’ve been accomplishing it, so why not put something out there, shoot for the stars, always.
Besides power and speed, Chisholm is also concentrating on improving his plate discipline.
I would say my walks, try to get 100 walks or something like that,
Chisholm noted.
Anything to really help the team win. I feel like me at my best, playing my best and being my best, and aiming for the goal is gonna help us win. So I feel like just playing my best baseball, trusting in myself, trusting in my teammates, and that should give us a World Series.
Implications of Chisholm’s Performance and Future with the Yankees
Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s combination of high energy and determination sets him apart as the Yankees look to contend for another World Series title. His commitment to New York and strong relationships with teammates like Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Cody Bellinger reinforce his desire to remain with the team. Manager Aaron Boone’s confidence in Chisholm’s focus despite contract uncertainties suggests the infielder is poised to showcase his skills throughout the season.
Chisholm’s pursuit of a 50-50 season along with improved walk rates reflects a mature approach to all aspects of his game. This multi-dimensional improvement is crucial as the Yankees aim to strengthen their roster. The 2026 season will be pivotal for Chisholm’s career, determining both his legacy with New York and his value on the free-agent market after the campaign concludes.
He went 30/30 last year… could 50/50 be in the cards? 💨💪@M_Marakovits asked @j_chisholm3 about that possibility, and more, when they spoke on Sunday. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/ELB0gBzjjr
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 23, 2026
"I feel like he's in a really good frame of mind. He's incredibly confident for good reason"
Aaron Boone on Jazz Chisholm: pic.twitter.com/Mjxt6qEosc
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 17, 2026
