Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. Puts MVP Goal Ahead Of Contract Concerns
New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. made it clear where his priorities lie heading into the 2026 season.
Entering the final year of team control before free agency, the 28-year-old insists winning the American League MVP award and delivering a World Series title matter far more to him than his upcoming payday, per Bleacher Report.
Chisholm and the Yankees avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $10.2 million deal in January, nearly doubling his previous salary. Despite that, the former Miami Marlins standout has zero interest in contract negotiations right now.
After posting career-best numbers in 2025 — .242/.332/.481 with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases — Chisholm enters the year as a legitimate power-speed threat once again. He joined an exclusive 30-30 club last season and has openly targeted a 40-40 campaign.
The Yankees turned away trade interest in Chisholm this winter, choosing instead to keep him as part of their push for another deep playoff run. With Gerrit Cole returning from Tommy John surgery and Max Fried now anchoring the rotation, New York believes its roster is built to contend and return to the World Series, where they fell short in 2024.
Chisholm’s focus remains entirely on individual and team success in pinstripes. He knows a strong season could set him up for a massive free-agent haul next winter, but he refuses to let that distract him.
For a player who has already shown he can produce at an elite level alongside Aaron Judge, Chisholm believes he can seriously compete with Judge for MVP hardware in 2026.