Jazz Chisholm Jr. made a significant impact after joining the New York Yankees during the trade deadline in 2024, helping the team clinch the American League pennant. He followed this up with an impressive full season in pinstripes, greatly enhancing his market value as he approaches free agency.
On Thursday, YES Network analyst Jack Curry reported that the Yankees secured a $10.2 million deal with Chisholm Jr. for the 2026 season to avoid arbitration. Additionally, they finalized agreements for their pre-arbitration players, which include closer David Bednar, infielders Jose Caballero and Anthony Volpe, right-handed relievers Fernando Cruz and Camilo Doval, and starting pitcher Luis Gil.
“Yankees have settled all of their arbitration cases. Bednar $9M. Jazz $10.2M. Caballero $2M. Cruz $1.45M. Doval $6.1M. Volpe 3.475M. Gil $2.1625M,” Curry announced via X on Thursday afternoon.
Yankees have settled all of their arbitration cases. Bednar $9M. Jazz $10.2M. Caballero $2M. Cruz $1.45M. Doval $6.1M. Volpe 3.475M. Gil $2.1625M.
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) January 9, 2026
Chisholm Jr. nearly doubled his salary from the previous season with this new deal. At just 27, he earned his second All-Star selection, highlighting the best season of his career. He ranked as the Yankees’ third-best position player last year, contributing 4.2 bWAR. Chisholm Jr. also achieved personal milestones, hitting 31 home runs, driving in 80 RBIs, and posting a 125 OPS+.
Yankees Move Up to No. 4 in Power Rankings
Recently released midwinter power rankings by ESPN placed the New York Yankees at No. 4, moving them up two spots from the previous rankings. The Yankees still have time to improve their standing before the 2026 season begins, especially as they haven’t made substantial roster changes yet.
“New York’s offseason has thus far been defined by what it hasn’t done. The Yankees have made moves, but they’re all minor, primarily focused on retaining players. Trent Grisham accepted the qualifying offer. Ryan Yarbrough, Amed Rosario, and Paul Blackburn re-signed on one-year deals each valued at under $3 million,” stated MLB analyst Jorge Castillo of ESPN.
Though there are still free agents to be signed, our expert panel reassessed where every MLB team ranks now that we’re midway through the offseason 👀 https://t.co/sxHgMeH0mp
— ESPN (@espn) January 8, 2026
“It’s hard to envision the Yankees not making more impactful additions before spring training. This could involve re-signing Cody Bellinger or acquiring a starting pitcher to strengthen a rotation currently missing key players like Carlos Rodon, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt at the start of the season. They may also aim to bolster the bullpen after losing Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to the Mets,” added Castillo.
Re-signing Cody Bellinger remains a primary target for the Yankees after he turned down their qualifying offer in November to enter free agency. With spring training on the horizon, the Yankees need to bring in another solid starter to their rotation, while also seeking a high-leverage reliever following the departure of two crucial bullpen arms this offseason.
