The Atlanta Braves might be on the verge of making a savvy offseason move that checks multiple boxes - and it starts with Jazz Chisholm Jr. The dynamic Yankees infielder could be just what Atlanta needs to shore up its infield depth and add some serious juice to the lineup. And if the Braves are willing to part with a pair of promising arms, this deal could be a win for both sides.
Let’s start with Chisholm. He’s not just flashy - he’s productive.
The 2025 season showed exactly why teams covet his skillset: a legitimate 30-homer threat with elite speed, defensive versatility, and enough on-base ability to slot comfortably into the top half of a contending lineup. He’s the kind of player who changes the tone of a ballclub, both in the dugout and on the field.
For a Braves team looking to retool after the season, Chisholm offers immediate impact and long-term value.
What makes this potential deal even more appealing for Atlanta is Chisholm’s contract situation. He’s under arbitration control through 2026, which gives the Braves a cost-controlled, high-upside player at a premium position - a rare combination in today’s market. That flexibility is golden for a franchise that’s consistently looking to balance star power with financial efficiency.
But to land a player like Chisholm, you’ve got to give something up. And in this case, the Braves are reportedly willing to offer a pair of young arms who bring real upside to a Yankees rotation in need of depth and future stability.
Hurston Waldrep headlines the package. He’s already shown he can handle big-league hitters, posting a 2.88 ERA over 56.1 innings in 2025.
That’s not just solid - that’s the kind of production that earns you a long look in a big-league rotation. His fastball has life, his splitter is a legitimate out pitch, and he’s under team control for years to come.
For a Yankees team trying to build a sustainable pitching core, Waldrep fits the mold.
Then there’s Lara - a high-octane bullpen arm with the kind of raw stuff that jumps off the scouting report. Command is still a work in progress, but in short bursts, his velocity and movement give him a chance to become a real weapon. He’s the kind of arm that can develop into a high-leverage option if the Yankees can help him harness his control.
From New York’s perspective, this trade is about aligning with their long-term pitching development goals. They get two arms who can contribute soon - one potentially in the rotation, the other in the bullpen - and both fit the age curve of a team that’s trying to build around a younger core while still competing in the AL East.
For the Braves, it’s a classic win-now move. They’re betting on their ability to maximize Chisholm’s talent in a system that’s already proven it can elevate players.
His bat adds a new dimension to their offense, and his defensive versatility gives them options across the infield. It’s the kind of roster upgrade that contenders make when they’re serious about chasing a title.
Bottom line: this is the type of deal that works for both sides. Atlanta gets an explosive, controllable player who fills an immediate need.
The Yankees get two arms who can help stabilize and deepen their pitching staff moving forward. It’s a rare baseball trade - one that makes sense on paper and on the field.