Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. broke out at wrong time amid 2026 disappointment

This upcoming offseason, the New York Yankees are going to have a few big decisions to make. One of the biggest question marks will revolve around Jazz Chisholm Jr.

The All-Star second baseman is set to be a free agent, and his future is very much up in the air. While the Yankees could bring him back, it would not be a surprise if he left for a new team this offseason.

Unfortunately for Chisholm, this is not a good time for him to hit the open market. As CBS Sports' Matt Snyder noted, Chisholm's 2025 breakout came a year too early, as his 2026 letdown is likely to tank his free-agent value this offseason.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. likely to face FA challenge amid letdown season

"He's one year late on the ideal time to hit free agency," Snyder writes. "... There's still plenty of potential to dream on, and he won't have trouble finding good offers heading towards his age-29 season, but this season has been a definitive step backward."

Chisholm's free agent value has dropped considerably this offseason, as his production has gone from All-Star to just an above-average player.

He had 4.1 bWAR in 130 games last season. This year for the Yankees, he has 1.4 bWAR in 134 games. It's a clear step in the wrong direction, and it will have a big impact on his free agency.

He had 31 homers and 31 stolen bases last season. This year he has just 19 homers, although his 40 stolen bases have helped make up for the lackluster homer numbers.

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But the most alarming issue for Chisholm is that his 122 OPS+ and .813 OPS from a year ago have dropped considerably to a 98 OPS+ and .715 OPS.

If Chisholm had hit the open market after his 2025 season a year ago, he would've been looking at a deal that could've gotten close to $30 million or more per-year.

Now, it might be difficult for Chisholm to hit that number, even as a power-hitting, base-stealing infielder who is only going to be heading into his age-29 season.

Chisholm will still likely get a decent deal on the open market. Just compared to what kind of offers he'd receive had he been a free agent after last season, it's looking likely to be an underwhelming free agency for Chisholm this year.

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