Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s free agency prospects just got a major boost. With Nico Hoerner now locked into a six-year extension with the Chicago Cubs, the spotlight on Chisholm has intensified. Hoerner, a key player for the Cubs and a two-time Gold Glove winner, was a significant contender in the free agent market, finishing 19th in the National League MVP voting last season.
Now that Hoerner is off the table, Chisholm's value in free agency is set to skyrocket. The competition?
Well, it's thinning out. Brandon Lowe is the closest rival, but he's a bit older and doesn't quite have the same upside as Jazz.
Keep an eye on Bo Bichette, though. He's with the Mets on a flexible three-year deal that allows for opt-outs, which could shake things up in the 2026-27 free agency period.
With Hoerner out of the mix, Chisholm stands as the top second baseman on the free agent list. The buzz around a potential $300 million contract for Chisholm is gaining traction. While Jim Bowden's prediction of the Yankees making that offer might seem far-fetched, the dollar figure itself is becoming more plausible.
Some fans, especially those from Boston, have scoffed at these projections. Even Yankees fans find it hard to believe Cashman would make such a move.
Yet, Chisholm's ambitions are clear. He's aiming for a hefty $35 million AAV over 8-10 years, and he's not shy about it.
Chisholm also set his sights on an ambitious 50-50 season in 2026. While achieving that might be a stretch, the key takeaway is his drive to excel.
If he continues on his current path without any major setbacks, a massive contract is certainly within reach. Hoerner's decision to stay with the Cubs only strengthens Chisholm's position.
Will the Yankees ultimately be the ones to sign Jazz? It's uncertain, but plenty of teams will be lining up to make their pitch if he replicates his 2025 performance. As the free agency period approaches, expect the phones to be ringing off the hook for Chisholm's agent.