The New York Yankees have another big offseason ahead after yet another disappointing playoff showing. The 2026 season was a difficult one, as Aaron Judge dealt with injuries for much of the year, making it harder for the team to find its rhythm.
The Yankees will have several decisions to make this winter, including what to do with Jazz Chisholm Jr. There is growing belief that Chisholm will not be returning to New York.
“As the Yankees look to retool their roster for the 2027 season, there’s a massive hole they will need to fill. Second base, manned by Jazz Chisholm Jr. for the last two seasons, will explore free agency and it’s likely he will not return to the Bronx,” SNY’s Phillip Martinez wrote.
Another situation to monitor this offseason is whether the Yankees look for a potential replacement for Ryan McMahon. The third baseman has been rather disappointing since arriving in New York.
“When the Yankees acquired McMahon at last year’s trade deadline, they were banking on him to provide Gold Glove-caliber defense at third while perhaps unlocking untapped offensive potential. Fast-forward to October 2026, and the Yankees have gotten neither. The 31-year-old is a black hole at the plate, hitting .213/.279/.357 with a 78 wRC+ in 360 regular season plate appearances,” SI’s Joe Najarian wrote.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield believes Japanese superstar Teruaki Sato could be a player New York pursues this offseason.
“The MVP and Triple Crown winner for the Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Central League, Sato’s left-handed power makes him one of the most intriguing free agents once he’s posted, especially considering the lack of big hitters in free agency,” Schoenfeld wrote.
Sato would be a great addition for the Yankees, especially with the short porches at Yankee Stadium. However, he may not be a permanent fixture at third base, as he is expected to move to another infield position or the outfield.
A move like this could help revitalize the Yankees’ World Series hopes in the Bronx. Sato is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and will be looking to carry that success over to MLB.
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