Chisholm’s 2025 season stood out: his second All-Star appearance, first Silver Slugger, and a 4.2 WAR season while slashing .242/.332/.481 (125 OPS+), with 31 homers, 80 RBIs, 31 stolen bases, and 15 doubles. He has long exuded confidence, and at 28, he believes he has the tools—speed, power, plate discipline, defense—to approach a 10-WAR season, a sentiment he shared with The Athletic.
His performance in New York could shape his free-agent future. With free agency looming after the season, the Yankees’ decision on a potential extension may hinge on Chisholm’s 2026 output, and talks are likely to wait until season’s end given the franchise’s typical approach.
Since arriving in a 2024 trade with the Miami Marlins, Chisholm has adjusted well to the Yankees, improving OPS+ and walk rate while reducing strikeouts. He has settled defensively on the right side of the infield, though his defense remains imperfect, including a higher tally of errors among second basemen.
The 50-50 goal remains a rare feat in MLB history. Only six players have such a season (40 HR and 40 SB) and just Shohei Ohtani has reached the 50-50 threshold, a benchmark Chisholm hopes to surpass. While he could set himself up for a lucrative contract in free agency, his long-term future with the Yankees is far from guaranteed as internal options like Anthony Volpe and prospects such as George Lombard Jr. await development.
Chisholm’s trajectory will largely depend on his 2026 performance and how the Yankees evaluate their middle-infield plans post-season, balancing immediate leadership with long-term roster construction. This season’s results will influence both his market value and the franchise’s next steps at short- and second-base.
