Jazz Chisholm Jr. has never been one to shy away from expressing his worth, whether he's taking on Twitter critics or dreaming of a 50-50 season. But his latest comments have certainly caught the attention of the New York Yankees. In a recent chat with NJ Advance Media, Chisholm revealed he's eyeing a hefty $35 million AAV over an 8-10 year contract come 2026 free agency.
You can almost picture Brian Cashman doing a double-take at that number.
Chisholm's contract aspirations might just signal his exit from the Yankees. While aiming high is part of the game, expecting the Yankees to meet him there is another story. CBS Sports' Mike Axisa stirred the pot by suggesting Chisholm could land a deal similar to Willy Adames, who secured a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Giants.
For those skeptical about Chisholm commanding a $26 million AAV like Adames, his recent comments might just leave them in disbelief.
Yet, Chisholm's free agency could be a jackpot if he continues to perform in 2026. With a relatively weak free-agent class, he might just cash in big.
But will that keep him in the Bronx, as he hopes? Not likely, especially not for the price tag he's mentioned.
The Yankees are known for their spending, but they're strategic about it.
If the market indeed offers Chisholm a $250 million-plus deal, don't expect Cashman to be in the mix. This is the same GM who played hardball with Aaron Judge and had a standoff with Cody Bellinger over a few million dollars.
Rumors of a potential Chisholm trade also suggest that Cashman doesn't see him as untouchable.
Chisholm's time with the Yankees has been a hit, and fans should savor his presence in 2026. It's unfortunate that this partnership likely won't extend beyond the season, as Chisholm's vibrant personality has been a perfect match for New York.
Perhaps the Mets, if they miss out on Tarik Skubal, will swoop in and make Chisholm their next big acquisition from the Yankees. At this rate, it almost feels like destiny.