Yankees Eye Bo Bichette, But Would It Cost Them Jazz Chisholm Jr.?
There’s buzz around the Bronx that the Yankees could be eyeing a major offseason splash-and it might come at a surprising cost. According to a recent prediction, New York is a potential landing spot for free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette.
On paper, adding a bat like Bichette’s is always intriguing. But dig a little deeper, and the fit raises more questions than answers-especially if it means moving on from Jazz Chisholm Jr., one of the team’s most dynamic all-around players.
Let’s break it down.
The Bichette Question: A Bat You Want, a Glove You Can’t Hide
Offensively, Bichette brings a lot to the table. He’s coming off a strong bounce-back season, slashing .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 181 hits.
Those numbers aren’t just good-they’re elite. He ranked in the 99th percentile in expected batting average (.298) and struck out just 14.5% of the time, placing him in the 86th percentile league-wide.
Simply put, Bichette doesn’t give away at-bats. He’s the kind of contact-heavy, high-average hitter the Yankees have lacked in recent years-a relentless presence in the lineup who could slot in anywhere from the two-hole to the five-spot and instantly lengthen the order.
But the glove? That’s where the problems start.
Bichette’s defensive metrics paint a much less flattering picture. He finished last season in the 1st percentile for range with a -13 Outs Above Average (OAA).
That’s not just below average-it’s bottom-of-the-barrel. His arm strength, clocking in at 82.3 mph (36th percentile), doesn’t do him any favors either.
He’s already a stretch at shortstop, and third base-currently manned by Gold Glover Ryan McMahon-isn’t a realistic option either.
So if the Yankees are indeed looking to bring Bichette aboard, it’s not just about finding him a spot in the lineup. It’s about finding him a position on the field that won’t compromise the team’s defensive integrity.
Volpe’s Growing Pains and the Infield Shuffle
One reason this move is even on the table could be Anthony Volpe’s sophomore struggles. His bat didn’t take the step forward many hoped for in 2025, and his defense-which had been a strength-regressed as well. That might explain why the Yankees are even entertaining the idea of adding another shortstop into the mix.
But here’s the thing: the Yankees already have a crowded infield. Volpe is still viewed as the shortstop of the future.
Jose Caballero is around as a utility option. And then there’s Jazz Chisholm Jr.-the electric second baseman who just put up a 30-30 season and brings a level of athleticism and swagger that’s hard to replicate.
If the Yankees are serious about Bichette, the likely fallout is a trade involving Chisholm. And that’s where this starts to feel like a solution in search of a problem.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Too Valuable to Let Go?
Chisholm’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of explosive: 31 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and a .481 slugging percentage. He’s a left-handed bat with power and speed, and his defensive numbers at second base are elite-ranking in the 88th percentile for range.
In a Yankees lineup that leans right-handed, Chisholm provides balance. In a defense-first infield, he’s a cornerstone.
Trading away a player like that just to make room for a defensively limited right-handed hitter feels like a step backward. Yes, Bichette’s bat is enticing.
But Chisholm is a rare blend of tools, production, and upside. He’s not just filling a spot-he’s helping define the team’s identity.
The Bigger Picture: Is This the Right Kind of Shake-Up?
The Yankees don’t need change for the sake of change. They need smart, targeted upgrades that address real weaknesses. Offense is always welcome, but not at the expense of defense, athleticism, and roster balance.
If they pursue Bichette, they’re betting big that his bat will outweigh his glove-and that losing Chisholm won’t come back to haunt them. That’s a risky gamble for a team with championship aspirations.
Because when October rolls around, every out matters. And giving them away in the infield is a price no elite pitching staff should have to pay.
The Yankees have options. But if this prediction comes true, it’s not just about who they’re adding. It’s about who they’re willing to lose-and whether the trade-off is worth it.