The New York Yankees are staring down a massive call at second base, and it looks like Jazz Chisholm Jr. might be getting ready to pack his bags. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand isn’t holding back, saying it “feels like the Yankees are ready to move on” from Chisholm, even after he’s put in some productive time in the Bronx. They *could* bring him back for another season with a qualifying offer, sure, but the vibe is all about new blood.
The Pirates’ Star Who Could Be New York’s Solution
If the Yankees decide Chisholm Jr. isn’t their guy for the long haul, all eyes are on a two-time All-Star who absolutely smashed it in 2026: Brandon Lowe. This dude hit a ridiculous 35 home runs playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates! Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley is already predicting Lowe’s signing with the Yankees after his stellar year in Pittsburgh. The Pirates, by the way, snagged 82 wins this year, their best since 2018, which is huge for them. But Lowe’s monster performance likely means a monster contract, probably with a big annual salary and a bunch of years tacked on. Buckley hit it right: that kind of cash might just be “more than Pittsburgh’s front office can stomach.” Guess who *can* stomach it? A “major-market big-spender” like the Yankees, who, let’s be real, have some serious question marks at second base.
Speed Out, Power In: The Infield Shuffle
So, what’s the trade-off here? If the Yankees go for Lowe, they’d be waving goodbye to Chisholm’s speed. But honestly, they’d be gaining some serious firepower. Lowe is a left-handed power bat, packing more pop and a higher career on-base percentage. It’s a classic speed-for-power move, and for a team looking to shore up its lineup, that could be a game-changer. New York’s gonna need a solid middle infield partner for shortstop George Lombard Jr. in 2027, and Lowe definitely fits the bill. And hey, Anthony Volpe is also in the mix as another potential replacement for Chisholm, so they’ve got options. But 35 bombs? That speaks for itself.
The Yankees have a huge decision coming up. Do they stick with what they know, or do they make a splash and bring in a power-hitting All-Star to solidify their middle infield for 2027? It’s gonna be wild to see how this plays out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply