Yankees predicted to let Jazz Chisholm Jr. sign with NL West team in offseason

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Jazz Chisholm Jr. wanted to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases.

He fell short of his goals with the New York Yankees, which included winning a World Series.

Now, Chisholm, who sat on the bench for Game 3 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays, is a free agent.

The Yankees could send him a qualifying offer, a one-year deal that would put him back on the open market after the 2027 season. But he might be searching for a more lucrative contract.

If the second baseman cannot reach an agreement with the Yankees, Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer listed the San Diego Padres as a top five landing spot.

“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,” Rymer wrote. “They could also use more offensive production at second base, where Jake Cronenworth struggled in 2026.”

Chisholm would be an interesting fit with the Padres. He has the confident personality to match Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado’s.

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“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 2020s,” Rymer added.

Even in a down year at the plate, Chisholm hit 19 home runs and posted a 97 OPS+. Cronenworth hit seven homers and a 77 OPS+ in 109 games.

It may be time for the Padres to consider a change at the middle infield spot.

Conor Liguori is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He grew up in Westchester County, New York, and enjoys watching basketball and hockey in his free time. Conor has covered professional baseball leagues like the KBO, NPB, CPBL and LBPRC in Puerto Rico. His work has been featured on Athlon, Heavy and other outlets.