The New York Yankees are making some *wild* moves ahead of free agency, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. They’re reportedly extending a massive one-year qualifying offer worth $23.15 million to closer David Bednar, but in a complete flip, they’re not even bothering with Jazz Chisholm Jr. This is a huge statement about their roster philosophy as the hot stove starts to warm up.
Bednar’s Big Money: A Shutdown Season Pays Off
So, let’s talk about David Bednar. The guy is 32 years old, just wrapped up his first full season in pinstripes, and absolutely killed it. The Yankees are betting big on him with that $23.15 million qualifying offer, and frankly, who can blame them? The dude was a true shutdown closer in 2026. He bagged 35 saves, which put him right up there with the league’s best like Bryan Baker, Cade Smith, Riley O’Brien, Mason Miller, Aroldis Chapman, and Louis Varland. His 2.47 ERA and 1.038 WHIP are just stellar, man. He punched out 76 batters across 69.1 innings. Those are the numbers of a guy you absolutely want shutting the door for you, and the Yankees clearly agree he is worth the hefty price tag for another year.
Jazz Hits the Skids: Silver Slugger to Sidelines
Then there’s the Jazz Chisholm Jr. situation. This is where it gets crazy, because at 28, you’d think he’d be in his prime. But after winning a Silver Slugger in 2025 with 31 homers, his 2026 season was a total roller coaster. The Yankees are straight up letting him walk without even a qualifying offer. Yeah, he’s electric on the basepaths, swiping 41 bags, and he is solid defensively at second base. But there were those “odd baserunning gaffes” and fielding errors that must have really soured the front office. His bat just wasn’t there this year. After that monster 31-homer season, he only hit 19 dingers, and his slash line took a serious hit, plummeting to .231/.312/.399. Ouch. With guys like a resurgent Anthony Volpe having learned second base, and other infielders like Jose Caballero and Luis Garcia in the mix, it looks like Jazz became expendable. It’s a tough break for a guy with so much flash.
The QO Gamble: Trent Grisham’s Cautionary Tale
This whole qualifying offer thing is always fascinating. Teams can extend a one-year deal equal to the average of the 125 highest-paid players in MLB, which is that $23.15 million we mentioned. It’s a calculated gamble for both sides. Remember Trent Grisham last offseason? The Yankees gave him a QO worth $22.025 million. He took it instead of testing free agency, and man, did it backfire for him. His WAR absolutely tanked from 3.5 to 0.6, and his OPS dropped from .811 to .703. Now, he’s heading to the open market this offseason anyway, a year later and with his stock way down. Bednar has to weigh that risk. Does he take the guaranteed $23.15 million, or does he bet on himself to get a multi-year deal? It’s a huge decision for him. Meanwhile, Chisholm is just free to go wherever he wants right now. Other guys hitting the market include Paul Goldschmidt, Amed Rosario, and relievers Paul Blackburn, Tim Hill, and Ryan Yarbrough.
This is just the first domino, folks. Bednar now has to decide if he takes the $23.15 million or tests the waters for a multi-year deal. For Chisholm Jr., he is officially on the open market. Both moves tell you everything you need to know about the Yankees’ mindset heading into what is going to be a wild winter. Keep your eyes peeled, because the hot stove is just getting warmed up!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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