Yankees Expected to Decline Qualifying Offer for Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Overview

• Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that the New York Yankees are unlikely to tender Jazz Chisholm Jr. the $23.15 million qualifying offer, which would let him become an unrestricted free agent.
• A qualifying offer is a one-year contract worth $23.15 million for 2027 that a team can give an eligible free agent; if the player accepts, the club keeps him but pays that full salary, and if declined the player signs elsewhere without draft-pick compensation for the original team.
• Chisholm’s 2026 bat fell short of expectations as he finished with a .232/.213/.399 line, 19 home runs, 41 stolen bases and a 98 wRC+, while advanced contact and batted-ball metrics showed clear regression and a late September thumb sprain limited him further.
• Despite the offensive slide, Chisholm provided notable defensive and baserunning value that kept his overall WAR respectable, but the Yankees’ decision to bench him in an ALDS elimination game and public fan frustration have been cited as signs the club’s confidence in him has waned.
• Analysts predict Chisholm will draw interest on the open market from American League West teams such as the Los Angeles Angels, and his departure would force New York to lock in Volpe or pursue other offseason infield moves while affecting Chisholm’s chance to rebuild value elsewhere.