The Phillies’ offseason to-do list starts with the offense, and one of the more surprising names tied to them is Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Philadelphia’s lineup was too uneven in 2026. Only Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Bryson Stott finished with wRC+ marks above league average, and with Luis Arraez and Alec Bohm heading into free agency, there could be even more openings to fill. The outfield is part of the problem too, after the group as a whole failed to produce the way the Phillies needed.
That’s why John Harper of SNY.tv sees a possible fit that would raise some eyebrows. In his free-agent predictions, he has the Phillies landing Chisholm Jr. this winter. In the same projection, he has Arraez going to the Yankees and taking over at second base.
Chisholm Jr. would bring a very different look to the lineup. He’s coming off a down season with a 99 OPS+, and his style has made him a lightning rod for fans and analysts alike.
But the production package is hard to ignore. He owns a career 4.4% home run rate, which sits well above the league average of 3.1%.
The swing-and-miss is part of the deal, too. Chisholm Jr. has struck out at a 28.0% clip for his career. Even so, he has shown more discipline lately, posting walk rates of at least 10.5% in each of the last two seasons.
Speed is another piece Philadelphia could use more of in 2027, and Chisholm Jr. would add plenty of it. He stole a career-best 41 bases this past season.
There’s also the defensive flexibility. Second base is where he has spent the most time, but he has also played center field, third base and shortstop. With the Phillies still sorting through their defensive alignment, that kind of versatility would give Don Mattingly options almost every night.
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