The New York Yankees are gearing up for big moves with the 2025 Winter Meetings just around the corner. The organization’s clear goal is to erase last season’s bitter failure and start cooking the 2026 campaign this very offseason.
An unexpected (and unlikely) Yankees shake-up
Everyone knows Jazz Chisholm Jr. had a strong year with the Bronx Bombers when healthy in 2025, but his contract situation could tempt New York to cash in on his value to fill more pressing needs. The million-dollar question: are the Yankees really willing to move on from that kind of offensive firepower?
Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez are widely seen as the top trade chips, but MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch floated a wild-card idea: Jazz Chisholm Jr. could actually be the risky yet possible December blockbuster.
“Here’s a wild thought if the Yanks want to shake things up: Jazz Chisholm Jr. is entering his final season before free agency, and they’ve been lukewarm toward the suggestion of a contract extension,” Hoch wrote. “Coming off a season in which he belted 31 homers and stole 31 bases, Chisholm could bring a significant return.”
If the Yankees did pull the trigger on what would be a shocking move for many, they’d immediately need a second baseman. Rumors point to a serious pursuit of Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami – often called “the Japanese Babe Ruth” – though most believe he profiles best at first base.
What would that mean for the infield picture?
They’d still need a true second baseman. Ben Rice remains the projected everyday first baseman for 2026 and that’s unlikely to change. Ryan McMahon is the heavy favorite to man third base, while José Caballero and Oswaldo Cabrera are expected to battle it out at shortstop until Anthony Volpe returns from shoulder surgery.
That leaves no obvious in-house star to play second – a clear hole.
On the outfield front, the Yankees are trying hard to reunite with superstar Cody Bellinger, though they could pivot to Cubs free agent Kyle Tucker. If both plans fall through, they’re considered the frontrunners to land elite Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai to bolster their battered rotation.
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