The Yankees’ second-base situation could take a sharp turn this offseason, and Brandon Lowe has emerged as a possible answer if Jazz Chisholm Jr. walks.
Chisholm is expected to reach free agency, leaving New York to decide whether to bring him back or move in another direction. He also didn’t see much action in the playoffs, a stretch that could leave some frustration behind. Still, he has made it clear he would like to stay.
“Chisholm, an All-Star for the second time in 2025, endured a down year at the plate and struggled both offensively and defensively in four appearances in the playoffs. Manager Aaron Boone left Chisholm out of the Yankees' starting lineup for two postseason games, including their season-ending loss on Wednesday.
The fans at Yankee Stadium booed Chisholm after he fouled out to first base as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the seventh inning. Nevertheless, Chisholm would rather continue his career with the Yankees than exit in free agency," MLB Trade Rumors' Connor Byrne wrote.
That uncertainty comes with some history attached. Before Chisholm ever wore pinstripes, his focus was reportedly questioned in Miami, where Derek Jeter and Don Mattingly both tried to steer him in the right direction.
“When Jazz was in Miami, Derek Jeter was there as the owner and Don Mattingly was the manager. That's two great Yankees who understood tradition and played the game right. They both met with Chisholm on repeated occasions and begged him to get his head straight,” NJ.com’s Bob Klapisch wrote.
If New York does choose to look elsewhere, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley sees Lowe as the fit.
“Maybe the Pirates' 82 wins, their most since 2018, will embolden them to spend, though Lowe's contract could feature both a big annual salary and a good amount of years. That combination might be more than Pittsburgh's front office can stomach, which would be music to the ears of a certain major-market big-spender with question marks at Lowe's second base position. Prediction: Lowe signs with the New York Yankees,” Buckley wrote.
Lowe just wrapped up the final year of his $24 million deal and would bring a steadier bat than Chisholm has offered. He also comes with a strong defensive résumé, having finished as a Gold Glove finalist.
For the Yankees, that profile makes Lowe a clean possible replacement if they decide to move on from Chisholm.
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