Why Jazz Chisholm Jr. fits into the Blue Jays' offseason plans

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Why Jazz Chisholm Jr. fits into the Blue Jays' offseason plans

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 9, 2026 5:15 PM ET

With the Toronto Blue Jays looking to strengthen their baserunning, free-agent second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is a strong candidate to help with that.

Because Ernie Clement is a utility infielder, he can easily shift from second base. Considering Clement had a down 2026 season defensively, posting a -5 Outs Above Average (OAA), Toronto is also looking to upgrade their defense at second base.

Chisholm Jr. boasted a strong 15 OAA as well as a career-high 41 stolen bases. The Blue Jays have lacked speed on the basepaths, with only Andrés Giménez being the top base stealer with 20 stolen bases in 2026.

The Blue Jays also ranked near the bottom of the league in stolen bases in 2026 with only 75.

Interesting tidbit from @KeeganMatheson today on Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s fit with Toronto: "In 2027, the Blue Jays plan to obsess over baserunning, which is one of Chisholm’s trademarks. Elite baserunning and above-average defense are a great starting point -- and a very “Blue Jays” profile."
— SleeperBlueJays (@SleeperBlueJays) November 9, 2026

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is a familiar rival who would help transform the Blue Jays

Acquiring Chisholm Jr. would help elevate the team's defense, as he possesses above-average defense while also bolstering their baserunning.

While Jazz's fit with the Blue Jays has been questioned, he is a vibrant left-handed power bat who crushed 19 home runs in 2026 and joined the 30-30 club in 2025.

As a familiar rival in the AL East, having spent three seasons with the New York Yankees, his adjustment to Toronto would be smooth.

Since Jazz didn't receive a qualifying offer from the Yankees like other top free agents such as Randy Arozarena, Seiya Suzuki and Brandon Lowe, who would require surrendering a top 2027 draft pick, acquiring Jazz wouldn't risk them losing a compelling draft player.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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