The New York Yankees had another disappointing end to their 2026 season, getting swept by AL East division rival Tampa Bay Rays. Now, the focus shifts to next season as the organization looks to build a championship-caliber roster.
This season was difficult to navigate because of injuries and other challenges. Several players could enter free agency this winter, including Jazz Chisholm Jr., but he has made it clear that he wants to stay in New York.
“Chisholm, an All-Star for the second time in 2025, endured a down year at the plate and struggled both offensively and defensively in four appearances in the playoffs. Manager Aaron Boone left Chisholm out of the Yankees’ starting lineup for two postseason games, including their season-ending loss on Wednesday. The fans at Yankee Stadium booed Chisholm after he fouled out to first base as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the seventh inning. Nevertheless, Chisholm would rather continue his career with the Yankees than exit in free agency,” MLB Trade Rumors’ wrote.
If Chisholm doesn’t remain in New York, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand believes he could sign with the Toronto Blue Jays.
“Toronto could easily plug Ernie Clement into its second-base spot, but Clement stumbled down the stretch this season, posting a .442 combined OPS in August and September. General manager Ross Atkins has said publicly that Clement will have to earn his spot next spring, but could the Blue Jays look to add a new second baseman via free agency and utilize Clement as a super utility man? Given that Toronto ranked last in the Majors in runs scored (648), the lineup certainly could use a jolt somewhere,” Feinsand wrote.
Signing Chisholm could be an appealing move for Toronto, as he won a Silver Slugger Award just a season ago. He could provide a reliable option in the lineup while potentially giving the Blue Jays a valuable addition without requiring an excessive financial commitment.
Chisholm played on a $10.2 million deal with the Yankees this season. Adding a former rival could give Toronto another boost on both sides of the ball as the Blue Jays look to strengthen their roster for next season.
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