The New York Yankees continue searching for answers in what’s shaping up to be a complicated offseason. Big-name free agents aren’t landing in the Bronx, leaving Yankees fans increasingly unhappy. The team exited early in a disastrous 2025 season, but they could still add who many consider the second-best player available in free agency.
First, they must decide the future of Jazz Chisholm Jr. – whether he stays or gets traded, as multiple MLB reports suggest. Moving the second baseman would leave the Yankees in a precarious infield situation.
Bo Bichette Still a Realistic Option
The shortstop who just played in the World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays remains on New York’s radar. New York Post insider Jon Heyman discussed the possibility during a Bleacher Report livestream.
“I guess it’s possible,” Heyman said (h/t Newsweek‘s Aaliyan Mohammed). “I do know a Yankees person who does like Bo Bichette very much, so I’m not going to rule that one out.”
Signing Bichette hasn’t been easy; Heyman notes the Boston Red Sox have also shown strong interest.
Bichette, who turns 28 next season, is a right-handed hitter – a valuable trait in a Yankees lineup heavy on left-handed bats. However, his defense at shortstop has been subpar: -13 Outs Above Average, ranking him among the worst defenders at the position. That’s why his name has surfaced as a potential second-base option – a move the Yankees should seriously consider if they lose Chisholm.
In 2025, Bichette posted a strong .311/.357/.483 slash line with a .840 OPS, confirming consistent offensive improvement throughout his career. Still, Heyman suggested last week that he could remain with the Blue Jays after their World Series run.
If New York trades Chisholm, they could acquire a starting pitcher to bolster an aging, injury-plagued rotation – a need that could prove costly early in the season. But losing him would hurt the infield: with +5 Outs Above Average, Chisholm ranks in the 88th percentile defensively. In 2025, he delivered a standout 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases season at just 27 years old – a player in his prime whose potential trade has sparked confusion among fans and analysts alike.
Whatever path the Yankees choose, they need to act fast in a shrinking free-agent market. They’ve already missed out on top relief pitchers, and fan anxiety is growing. The team remains monitoring Cody Bellinger’s situation, but for now, the outlook remains wide open.
Read the full article here
