New York Yankees Make Massive Jazz Chisholm Decision

The New York Yankees declined to tender a qualifying offer to second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., according to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Monday.

Passan noted that eight players across Major League Baseball received the one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer ahead of the 5 p.m. deadline.

The list included Yankees closer David Bednar, Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe, Orioles pitcher Trevor Rogers, Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon, Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers, and Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers.

Those players have until November 17 to accept or reject the offer.

Chisholm’s absence from that group was widely anticipated after a disappointing 2026 campaign in which he batted .231 with a .312 on-base percentage and .399 slugging percentage.

The 28-year-old hit 19 home runs and stole 41 bases in 137 games, producing a 98 wRC+ and 3.5 FanGraphs WAR.

Those numbers marked a clear step back from his 2025 season, when he hit 31 home runs, earned a Silver Slugger, and posted a 122 wRC+.

Advanced metrics also showed regression in contact quality and defensive value at second base, while a late-season thumb sprain further limited him.

The Yankees even benched him during parts of their ALDS loss to the Tampa Bay Rays amid high-profile defensive lapses.

By declining to extend the qualifying offer, the Yankees allow Chisholm to enter free agency without any draft-pick compensation attached to his signing.

Teams that tender a qualifying offer and then lose the player receive a compensatory selection, typically after the fourth round.

Multiple reports throughout October, including from the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, had indicated the Yankees were inclined to let Chisholm walk rather than risk him accepting the offer.

That caution stemmed in part from last winter’s experience with Trent Grisham, who accepted a qualifying offer after a career year and then underperformed in 2026.

With Chisholm coming off a down season and still relatively young, the front office appeared unwilling to guarantee him more than $23 million for 2027 while potentially crowding out other roster moves.

The decision also reflects New York’s infield depth. Anthony Volpe has taken reps at second base, while José Caballero and prospect George Lombard Jr. provide additional options.

Chisholm, who arrived via trade from the Miami Marlins in 2024 and signed a one-year deal to avoid arbitration last winter, now becomes an unrestricted free agent.

He remains one of the more dynamic middle-infield options available, combining power and speed even in a down year, and is expected to draw interest from several clubs seeking offensive upside.

For the Yankees, the move clears payroll flexibility while closing the book on a tenure that never quite matched the expectations set by Chisholm’s arrival in the Bronx.