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Yankees could eventually part ways with all-star infielder amid early struggles

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Jack Rotolo | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 1:23 PM ET

There is a scary amount of star players around MLB who are starting off the 2026 season on the wrong foot. There’s Cal Raleigh, Jose Ramirez, and Trevor Story, just to name a few, but at least they are not playing for a new contract at the conclusion of this season. Jazz Chisholm Jr., on the other hand, does not have that luxury; the New York Yankees’ second baseman has not just been one of New York’s worst hitters, but one of the worst in the entire league, possibly putting his future with the Yankees in question.

Through 12 games, Chisholm is slashing .186/.255/.256 with three RBI, three extra-base hits (no home runs), and just two runs scored. The Bahamas native hasn’t started a season this badly since he debuted with the Miami Marlins in 2020. This kind of stretch is certainly not what he, nor the Yankees, want to see at the beginning of a walk year.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s Future in the Bronx Could Be In Doubt if Struggles Continue

All Talk, No Walk

The irony of Chisholm’s horrendous start to the season is that just a few short months ago, he was considered a potential x-factor for the team and talking about chasing a 50-50 season in 2026. With Shohei Ohtani as the only member of that prestigious club, it was a lofty goal to shoot for. But now that objective just looks silly, especially considering that Chisholm’s career highs in homers and stolen bases are 31 (2025) and 40 (2024), respectively, plus he didn’t even set them in the same season.

Of course, Chisholm has still proven himself as a dynamic and talented player; over the last two seasons (277 games), he has 55 home runs, 153 RBI, 77 stolen bases, 149 runs scored, and a .784 OPS. However, if his numbers continue to decline at this rate, he may not have a long-term future with the Yankees.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. was picked off while adjusting his sliding mitt
pic.twitter.com/9NJnq6IyvV

— Kent Murphy (@KentMurphy) April 1, 2026

Beyond This Year

It’s no surprise that the Yankees haven’t even made an attempt to extend Chisholm. Despite the fact that he is one of the best defensive second basemen in the game (and usually an above-average hitter), New York might not have him in their plans beyond this season. The Yankees almost never extend players, at least since making the mistake of extending Aaron Hicks to a seven-year deal back in 2019. Plus, the Yankees just might be banking on one of their top prospects to be their franchise second baseman.

George Lombard Jr., at just 20 years old, is already making headlines as one of the Yankees’ most promising prospects. Coming into the year as their No. 1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, the Yankees could be relying on Lombard to be Chisholm’s replacement if the two sides can’t come to an agreement at the conclusion of the season. Though Lombard is a natural shortstop, his defensive skills could easily translate to second or even third base.

Even if the Yankees do plan on extending Chisholm’s time in the Bronx, he’ll have to start performing very soon. This is especially dire because of how top-heavy New York’s lineup has become, with its 6-9 hitters combining for a .483 OPS through Wednesday’s action. For now, though, they’ll just have to wait for the bottom of the lineup, particularly Chisholm, to claw their way out of the gutter and start producing on offense.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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