The New York Yankees could have an opening at second base next season.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is a pending free agent. And he’s made some bold claims over how much money he’s looking for in free agency. With that, New York could try to find a second baseman through the trade market this season or free agency next season.
MLB analyst Thomas Carannante of FanSided urges the Yankees to try to trade for Hyeseong Kim of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“At the moment, the New York Yankees have no room to welcome in another starting-caliber talent unless they were to conduct some serious rearranging,” Carannante wrote. “The 2026 roster is the 2026 roster until the front office determines changes are needed. And that won’t happen until at least June.
“But the Los Angeles Dodgers might have given Brian Cashman and Co. something to monitor over the coming months. To the dismay of many Dodgers fans, Hyeseong Kim was optioned to Triple-A to begin the year despite being deemed the preseason favorite to win the starting second base job. … So, with the Yankees likely eyeing a second base vacancy after 2026 once Jazz Chisholm Jr. hits free agency and likely prices himself out of New York, why shouldn’t Cashman give Andrew Friedman a call at the deadline. Or once the offseason commences to see what he’d want for Kim?”
Kim is in the second year of his three-year, $12.5 million deal. But hasn’t gotten much playing time with the Dodgers. So, Los Angeles could look to move him. And the Yankees could very well be a logical fit, as he would be the team’s starting second baseman if Chisholm walks.
Yankees’ Chisholm Shares Lofty Contract Demands
Chisholm has been an impact hitter for the Yankees. But he could be playing out his final season in the Bronx.
The star infielder is in the final year of his deal, and he spoke to Randy Miller of NJ.com and claimed he wanted $35 millon a season over 8-to-10 years.
“I’d say no because I know I can get $35 million somewhere else,” Chisholm said. “That’s $10 million less a year. … I’m 28. I want 8-to-10 years.”
It does seem unlikely Chisholm would be able to command that, but if that is his ask, the Yankees could very well move on from him and pursue a cheaper option.
Chisholm is hitting .192 with 1 RBI to begin the season. He’s a two-time All-Star and won the Silver Slugger Award in 2025.
Dodgers Option Kim
Kim entered spring training as the favorite to win the second base job. However, the team optioned him to the minors.
Santiago Espinal and Alex Freeland won the final roster spots, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it was a gut-punch to Kim to be optioned.
“It’s a gut punch for sure,” Roberts said of the conversation with Kim. “No one works harder than he does. You’re proud that he went to the WBC to represent his country. … But the driver is him playing six days a week and logging a considerable number of at-bats. Which he wouldn’t get here.”
Kim hit .280 with 3 home runs and 17 RBIs in 71 games last season with the Dodgers.
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