Jazz Chisholm Jr. Just Gave the Yankees a 30/30 Season - But Will It Be His Last in Pinstripes?
Jazz Chisholm Jr. gave the Yankees everything they could’ve asked for in 2025 - and then some. A 30-30 season in the Bronx is no small feat, and Chisholm pulled it off with flair: 31 homers, 31 stolen bases, and a highlight reel that practically wrote itself. He brought energy, swagger, and serious production to second base - a position that’s quietly become a revolving door in the Yankees’ recent history.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: despite the fireworks, Chisholm might be playing his final season in pinstripes.
The Bronx Has Seen This Before
Brian Cashman has a track record when it comes to second basemen, and it’s not exactly one of long-term loyalty. Robinson Canó left for Seattle.
Gleyber Torres walked into free agency. The message has been consistent: second base, in the Yankees’ front office view, is replaceable - not foundational.
So as Chisholm heads into his walk year, playing for what could be a $150 million payday, the Yankees might already be preparing to let him walk. And if that’s the case, he’s not just playing for New York - he’s auditioning for 29 other teams.
A Stat Sheet That Screams “Pay Me”
Let’s be clear: the numbers are loud, and they’re mostly in Chisholm’s favor. He didn’t luck into 30 home runs - he earned them with elite contact quality. His Barrel Rate landed in the 91st percentile at 15.0%, meaning when he connects, it’s loud and dangerous.
Defensively, he answered a lot of questions. Once seen as an outfielder trying to fake it in the infield, Chisholm posted 88th percentile Outs Above Average, showing he’s more than capable of handling second base at a high level. Add in an 86th percentile Baserunning Run Value, and you’ve got a player who impacts the game in all three phases - bat, glove, and legs.
But the Swing-and-Miss Is Still a Concern
Here’s where things get tricky. For all the power and speed, Chisholm’s contact profile is volatile.
His Whiff Rate sat in the 7th percentile (32.2%), and his Strikeout Rate wasn’t much better - 8th percentile. In other words, he’s missing a lot, and not just against elite pitching.
His Expected Batting Average (.234) lines up closely with his actual average (.242), suggesting the struggles aren’t about bad luck - they’re baked into his approach. That’s the kind of profile that can disappear in October, and the Yankees know it.
Boone’s Message: The Talent Is There, But So Is the Challenge
Manager Aaron Boone, typically a players-first voice in the clubhouse, didn’t shy away from the challenge of managing Chisholm. On a recent podcast appearance, Boone acknowledged the dynamic between them.
“We have some interesting talks in my office from time to time,” Boone said. “But I think we have a lot of respect for one another. The reality is I just demand a lot out of him because he’s capable of so much.”
That’s not the tone you take with a fully polished superstar. That’s the tone of a manager still trying to unlock consistency from a player with all the tools, but not always the execution.
The Clock Is Ticking
“This is his walk year. This is his free agent year,” Boone added. “So there’s a lot on the line… we’ll see where it leads as far as long term, or if we take it into free agency.”
Translation: the Yankees are keeping their options open. If Chisholm repeats his 30/30 season and tightens up the swing-and-miss, he might play himself into a contract that Cashman has historically been unwilling to hand out at second base. If he regresses, the Yankees can extend a qualifying offer and move on.
Chisholm has always bet on himself. That won’t change. But based on the Yankees’ track record, the safer bet might be on Cashman doing what he’s always done - letting a talented second baseman walk, regardless of the highlight tape he leaves behind.