Jazz Chisholm Jr. is straight-up electric, no doubt about it. The guy, last playing second for the Yankees, brings a combo of whippy left-handed power and moves like the wind at second base, making highlight-reel plays look easy. The catch? Consistency, man. Just a year ago in 2025, he was an All-Star *and* a Silver Slugger. Fast forward to 2026, and his numbers dropped hard: a mere 1.7 wins above replacement and a 97 OPS+. This wild swing in production, a pattern that even dates back to his Miami Marlins days from 2020-24, is the elephant in the room for any team looking at him in free agency.
The Nationals’ Infield Gamble
Chisholm’s raw talent is definitely gonna fetch him a considerable average annual salary, but that up-and-down performance means a long-term deal is probably off the table. At first glance, the Washington Nationals look like a perfect fit. They need to restock their infield after trading away quality production from Luis García Jr. and Curtis Mead during the 2026 season. Chisholm could easily open 2027 as their starting second baseman.
Here’s the kicker: Washington still finished third in MLB for runs (821) and slugging percentage (.423) last season. They do have Nasim Nuñez, who was an absolute speed demon, leading the National League with 49 stolen bases in 2026 and racking up 13 defensive runs saved at second. But Nuñez just doesn’t have the power or the proven track record at the plate that Chisholm brings. Remember 2025? Chisholm smashed a career-high 31 home runs and 80 RBIs, good for 4.1 WAR. And since 2024, he’s averaged 37.3 stolen bases per season. That’s serious offensive firepower.
There’s also the CJ Abrams question. He’s a two-time All-Star shortstop who got some run at second base late last season and is two years from free agency. He could be traded this offseason if an extension doesn’t happen. Chisholm, who even played shortstop for 310 minor league starts, could potentially slot into either middle infield position for the Nats, giving him a chance to rehab his value for a monster payday later on. But then you gotta factor in Eli Willits, the No. 1 pick from the 2025 MLB Draft, who’s a top prospect. If he rockets through the minors, the Nats might want to keep a middle infield spot open for him to play every day, or have Abrams ease into second. It’s a complex puzzle for Washington.
Could the Reds Find Their Upside?
Then there are the Cincinnati Reds, who were flat-out last in the National League Central with just 75 wins last season. They are desperate for some upside, and Chisholm could be exactly what they need. He’d most likely slide right into their starting second base role, which would probably move Matt McLain to the bench as the first infielder off. McLain has been their primary second baseman for the last two years, but he’s only hit a combined .204, though he does have 82 career starts at shortstop.
Chisholm, as a two-time All-Star, would be a huge offensive upgrade at second. Plus, he’s a capable, impact left-handed hitter, which would be massive for balancing out manager Terry Francona’s order. The Reds’ offense was struggling big time last year, finishing last in all of MLB in hits (1,231) and on-base percentage. Adding Chisholm’s potential pop could be a game-changer for a team that really needs a spark.
Chisholm’s free agency is a total wildcard. Does he chase a one-year “prove it” deal to try and get that long-term contract down the road? Or does some team roll the dice, hoping for the 2025 All-Star version to show up consistently in 2027? It’s a huge decision for him, and whichever NL team lands him is making a high-stakes bet on his incredible, yet maddeningly inconsistent, talent. We’ll be watching to see where this two-time All-Star, 97 OPS+ enigma lands.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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