New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm offered a lofty prediction for the 2026 season, but instead has started the season mired in a deep slump that has led to growing criticism.
Chisholm said before the start of the season that he wanted a 50-50 year, with 50 home runs and 50 steals. But through the first three weeks of the season, Chisholm is instead the only player on the team yet to go deep, shattering his prediction and leading to questions about his long-term future in the Bronx.
Jazz Chisholm Needs Some Production
As Billy Heyen of The Sporting News noted, Chisholm wasn’t taken too seriously when he suggested a 50-50 season, but few could have predicted he would go this long without a single home run. After Ryan McMahon hit a home run on April 17, Chisholm was the only regular starter for the Yankees yet to hit one.
Heyen warned that Chisholm’s 50-50 goal is “already out of reach,” and the Yankees are now simply looking for any level of power hitting from their second baseman.
“The Yankees would simply appreciate if Chisholm could find a way to get on the board with his first home run,” Heyen wrote. “He is a streaky hitter — last season, he started the year on fire, and this year, it’s the total opposite. The Yankees need some consistency, though, and could certainly use a bit less swing-and-miss from Chisholm.”
The situation could become especially troubling if Chisholm’s struggles at the plate persist, as the Yankees have seized a spot atop the AL East and look to remain in contention this season.
Jazz Chisholm Faces Trade Rumors
Even before the start of this season, some analysts predicted the Yankees could trade Chisholm during the season. SI.com’s Mark Morales-Smith suggested the Yankees might flip him to the Atlanta Braves for Ozzie Albies and right-handed pitching prospect Jhancarlos Lara.
“The New York Yankees would be getting a very good second baseman on a very team-friendly contract,” Morales-Smith wrote. “They would be getting a switch-hitter back, so they wouldn’t be losing anything as far as lineup flexibility goes. Perhaps most importantly, they would be getting a great clubhouse guy with championship experience. It feels weird to say, but the Yankees need players who know how to win and can teach them how to win.”
Chisholm could face even more trade rumors if his struggles continue toward this season’s trade deadline, and especially if the Yankees look for an upgrade in their middle infield. Reporter Jeff Hawkins of The Sporting News suggested the Bronx Bombers could run out of patience waiting for Chisholm to turn things around.
“Do the Yankees regret trading prospects Agustin Ramirez, Jared Serna, and Abrahan Ramirez to the Miami Marlins for Chisolm in 2024? His skills are dynamic, but his hustle and commitment have been questioned before,” Hawkins wrote.
“The issue will likely occur again. Chisolm’s powerless start to the season has yet to back up his pre-season 50-50 promises. Is it time for the Yankees to move on from the free-agent-to-be?”
Yankees Jazz Chisholm Jr. Faces Stark Warning as Struggles Deepen