Jazz Chisholm’s next move could become one of the more interesting free-agency decisions of the winter, and the San Diego Padres have already been floated as a possible landing spot.
The Yankees second baseman is heading into an offseason where his future is up in the air, especially after he was left out of the starting lineup for some playoff games. Chisholm has said he wants to stay in New York, but his situation could still push him toward other options once free agency opens.
“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' wrote.
If he does leave New York, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer sees San Diego as a strong fit.
“Starting pitching will need to be a priority, but another bat should also be a must. The Padres specifically need more left-handed thump after getting just a .385 SLG from that side of the plate.
They could also use more offensive production at second base, where Jake Cronenworth struggled in 2026. Also, does anyone else get the sense that San Diego would be a good spot for Chisholm's energy?
He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and that's been the Padres' whole vibe as they have fought the Los Angeles Dodgers for control of the NL West throughout the 2020,” Rymer wrote.
A pairing with Fernando Tatis Jr. would make for a compelling look in San Diego, and Chisholm’s high-energy style would seem to match what the Padres bring to the field. He would also arrive with the added appeal of having won a Silver Slugger not too long ago.
For a club that could use more production from the left side and at second base, Chisholm checks a few boxes if he becomes available.
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