Chisholm Jr., who caught heat from Boone after his first game back from the 10-day injured list, is one of the main decisions the Yankees will have to make ahead of their best-of-three series against Boston. Coming off a right thumb sprain, Chisholm Jr. has played only three MLB games since Sept. 9.

With Anthony Volpe also competing for the second-base job, Boone admitted New York is considering a platoon solution—in which Volpe (right-handed batter) starts against left-handed pitchers and Chisholm Jr. (left-handed batter) does so against righties. Chisholm, whose demeanor is one the Yankees are already familiar with, made his stance clear.

“We’ve seen it. You’ve seen how I felt about not being in games in the playoffs,” Chisholm Jr. commented on potentially missing games in the AL Wild Card series, via NY Daily News. “As a competitor, who wouldn’t be [angry]? It’s the playoffs. You want to play. [The best players should play in the postseason], that’s how I grew up. That’s what I grew up watching and seeing.”

Chisholm Jr. hopes Boone will be straightforward with him

Chisholm Jr. let Boone and New York know how he’d feel about being healthy scratched so the Yankees could start Volpe instead. He also admitted he’ll have an easier time accepting the team’s decision if he hears it directly from the manager rather than being left waiting in the dark.

“I feel like with [Boone], he will come up to me and let me know what’s going on before it’s put out there, which I always respect that out of him,” Chisholm added. “He’s always been good on that side of things.”

As praiseworthy as Chisholm’s message is, it also hides a subtle warning. If Boone isn’t careful in how he treats the two-time All-Star, he risks creating a rift in the relationship, and with Jazz becoming an unrestricted free agent after the postseason, it could be the last straw after a season in which Chisholm Jr. has been through the ringer time and again.

Chisholm Jr. missed playoff games in 2025

Facing the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card and potentially being in the midst of a platoon situation brought back tough memories for Chisholm Jr. During last year’s playoffs, Boone and the Yankees sat Chisholm Jr. and started right-handed batter Amed Rosario when Boston started left-handed ace Garrett Crochet.

Boston has already announced Payton Tolle, another southpaw pitcher, will start Game 1 at Yankee Stadium. Facing a lefty for the majority of the series opener, New York may rather play a right-handed batter (Volpe in this case) over Chisholm’s left-handed bat.

What do they say? The more things change, the more they stay the same. Chisholm Jr. can surely attest to that in consecutive AL Wild Card series against the Red Sox.

Key takeaways

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. expressed frustration over potentially missing playoff games amid a second-base platoon decision.
• Aaron Boone is considering starting right-handed hitter Anthony Volpe against Boston southpaw Payton Tolle.
• Boston previously sat the left-handed hitter in the 2025 postseason against left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet.

The reason for Boone’s disappointment was a play in the top of the seventh inning of the crucial matchup with MLB postseason stakes. The Yankees were only trailing by one run, with runners on first and third and one out, when Rays shortstop Taylor Walls connected on a bunt that fell into Fried’s range.

Luis Garcia Jr. abandoned his post at first base to chase the ball, but Chisholm Jr. never made the relay to first from second, allowing Walls a clean path to a single. Simultaneously, that confusion allowed Chandler Simpson to score a run and Ben Williamson to reach second base.

In Boone’s eyes, allowing a run wasn’t the worst part of that sequence. Instead, it was failing to record a single out that made it all unfathomable for the Yankees’ manager. In the end, it’s why Jazz got the short end of the stick.

Aaron Boone throws Jazz Chisholm Jr. under the bus

“Yeah, [Chisholm Jr.] has to be covering first [base] there. And that’s the play we work on because of the Rays all the time,” Boone admitted on Talkin’ Yanks. “We do our bunt coverages, we’re prepared for safety squeeze and last night we feel like that’s 100 per cent. Taylor Walls, in that situation, is going to put down the safety.

“If we can defend it tremendously and the bunt is not perfect you might have a chance at the plate, but the biggest thing is: let’s get an out. Especially with speed at third, it’s a tough play to defend, but we need to get an out period.“

That wasn’t the end of it, however. Boone went on to explain what he believes happened and where the root of the mistake was, as Chisholm and Garcia ended up leaving first base unattended.

Chisholm Jr. was more to blame than Garcia

While many could argue Garcia is equally to blame, Boone made it clear Chisholm’s responsibility was bigger than Garcia’s on that specific play

“It’s not a miscommunication before the play. I think Jazz read [the bunt] as right back to the pitcher and thought Garcia would slam on the brakes, but we’re playing that aggressively because we know what’s coming. Garcia is on the dead run, it’s hard for him to slam on the brakes and get back. So, we’ve got to cover that with the second baseman.”

Jazz can’t afford these mistakes before free agency

Playing in a contract year and having been through the wringer all season long, even the tiniest of errors could lead to immense consequences for Chisholm Jr. and his time with the Pinstripers. It remains to be seen what the future will bring for Jazz in MLB.

Looking ahead to the postseason, Boone can’t guarantee a plan for Chisholm Jr. ahead of the final regular-season games. Perhaps his erratic return from the 10-day IL, along with several fielding errors throughout the year, have led to this, and Boone may not be trusting Jazz completely. At least for the time being.

Of course, slip-ups are to be expected with any player coming off an IL stint, but it seems Chisholm’s leash is still shorter than that of many players in the Bronx. The spotlight is already fixed on Chisholm. For his sake, it’d be best if he avoids these mistakes before the season ends and his one-year, $10.2 million contract expires.

Key takeaways

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. failed to cover first base on a seventh-inning bunt play.
• Aaron Boone expressed frustration over the defensive mistake.
• Chisholm Jr. will become an unrestricted free agent after 2026 MLB season.

According to what was revealed on Talkin’ Yanks, Boone’s plan is to move Anthony Volpe to third base this week, while George Lombard Jr. will remain at shortstop. With the playoffs just around the corner, the Pinstripes are looking for alternatives to put themselves in the best possible position.

The Tampa Bay Rays have clinched the AL East, meaning the Yankees will have to play in the Wild Card. Now, it remains to be seen what role Chisholm Jr. will ultimately have in the Yankees’ upcoming games.

Chisholm Jr.’s performance at second base

Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been a proper electric mix of speed, pop, and streaks taking over second base for the Yankees this season. Plate discipline and pure average have been a bit up and down—he’s hitting around .232 across 134 games—but he still brings serious dynamic threat to the lineup with 19 home runs, 55 RBIs, and an impressive 40 stolen bases.

While his aggressive style at the keystone has yielded some defensive bumps, his combination of elite athleticism, clutch hitting in late-game spots, and game-changing speed on the basepaths keeps him as a focal point in New York’s overall game plan.

Yankees turn their focus to what’s next

The Yankees are wrapping up the 2026 regular season right at home at Yankee Stadium with a crucial late-September push. They’re currently closing out their series against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 23 and 24, before heading straight into a big weekend division clash against the Baltimore Orioles from September 25 through September 27.

With the playoffs right around the corner, these final games are all about locking in momentum before October baseball takes over in the Bronx.

Key takeaways

• Manager Aaron Boone plans to keep Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base rather than third base.
• Anthony Volpe will shift to third base while George Lombard Jr. stays at shortstop.
• The AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays forced New York into the Wild Card.

“It kind of sucks. That’s what we worked on all season, but it’s not the end goal for us. The end goal is the World Series,” Chisholm told YES Network following a disappointing 6–1 loss to the Rays.

As manager Aaron Boone maps out his strategy for the remainder of the regular season, Chisholm is aiming to quickly regain his rhythm after a stint on the 10-day injured list, looking to build on an otherwise strong statistical campaign.

Beyond the loss, the Yankees have pressing concerns to navigate, including recent injury updates provided by Boone regarding Aaron Judge. With October baseball fast approaching, New York must optimize its active roster to ensure a legitimate run at a World Series title.

Chisholm Jr. on his return to the lineup

After missing time due to injury, Chisholm expressed confidence that he is ready to anchor the lineup during the high-stakes stretch ahead. “I just want to be out here with my team and help them win any way I can,” Chisholm told reporters.

In Game 2 of Tuesday’s doubleheader against Tampa Bay, Chisholm went 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout. Shaking off rust after an injured list stint is rarely seamless, making these final regular-season games critical for him to lock in his timing ahead of the postseason.

Chisholm’s activation provides a massive boost to the Yankees’ defense, where the second baseman has delivered strong performances all season long. With the division title race coming down to the wire and the postseason looming, attention now turns to how effectively he can produce when New York begins its quest for a championship ring.

Key takeaways

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. declared that winning the World Series remains the team’s ultimate goal.
• The Yankees fell to the Tampa Bay Rays in a 6-1 loss.
• In his return, the second baseman went 1-for-3 with a walk and strikeout.

“Nothing there, [Chisholm Jr] is back in New York doing his treatment every day,” Boone commented during an appearance on Talkin’ Yanks. “I know he’s running, getting out on the field, and doing some defensive work, but I don’t know if there’s anything different or anything to report on yet.”

Chisholm Jr. remains sidelined and on the 10-day injured list (IL) as he rehabs from a sprained right thumb. He’s been on the IL during the 2026 MLB season since Sept. 10, though the move was made retroactive to Sept. 9.

Chisholm Jr. is eligible to be activated from the IL on Sept. 19, which would be right on cue for the Yankees‘ series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, that was always unlikely, and Boone’s update all but confirms it.

Chisholm Jr. is staying home

As Boone revealed in his latest injury update, Jazz remains in the Bronx working on his rehab with the team doctors and staff back home. Meanwhile, the Yankees are on the road.

And just like Boone confirmed Clarke Schmidt’s return date amid the series against the Minnesota Twins, he made it clear that Chisholm Jr. won’t join the team on its current road trip. Jazz is staying in New York, so he won’t be available in Arizona even though he would become eligible to return to MLB action by then.

New York is stress-free

With the Yankees having already punched their ticket to the postseason and Anthony Volpe covering for Chisholm Jr. in great fashion, there is no reason to panic.

The Yankees are cool, calm, and collected even with Chisholm Jr. injured. There will be time to stress later, come playoff time, but for now, the Bronx Bombers can breathe easily. For all Boone and the Yankees know, Jazz is doing just fine on his own at Yankee Stadium, so there is no “Home Alone” scenario to fear while the Pinstripers are away from the Bronx.

However, when speaking with Randy Miller of NJ.com, Chisholm revealed that his long-term future in the Bronx remains uncertain, noting he hasn’t discussed a contract extension since spring training. “It was just like, ‘We don’t do extensions,'” Chisholm admitted.

While trade rumors have occasionally linked Chisholm to the crosstown rival New York Mets, his latest candid comments suggest he could very well be playing elsewhere next season.

Meanwhile, the Yankees confirmed a target return date for starter Clarke Schmidt as the postseason approaches. Manager Aaron Boone expects to have the right-hander fully stretched out and ready to bolster the rotation for October.

Chisholm Jr. ‘reaches out’ to the Yankees front office

When asked if he had formally approached the front office or General Manager Brian Cashman about an extension, Chisholm clarified that it wasn’t a sit-down meeting, but rather a brief exchange in passing.

“I wouldn’t say I reached out. It was more of a mutual thing, just me walking around saying something to Cashman as he walked past me,” Chisholm said, as reported by Miller.

How well did Chisholm Jr. play this season?

Chisholm has delivered his signature blend of dynamic speed and raw power during his 2026 campaign with the Yankees, even if his overall production has suffered from brief stretches of inconsistency. Here is a look at his statistical output this year:

• Slash Line: .232 / .312 / .403
• OPS: .715
• Home Runs: 19
• RBIs: 55
• Stolen Bases: 40
• Plate Appearances: 520

Now, the Yankees have gotten a great update from Chisholm Jr., including his expected return date. Asked if Anthony Volpe will still be the main replacement at second base for Chisholm, manager Aaron Boone revealed that it’s uncertain and will be decided on a daily basis throughout the final month of the 2026 MLB campaign. News came as quite a surprise considering Boone had already set his lineup strategy for Volpe, as well as Aaron Judge.

“With Jose Caballero also around, Aaron Boone did not commit to Anthony Volpe being his second baseman in Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s absence. Boone called it a ‘day-by-day’ decision,” Gary Phillips of NY Daily News reported on X.

Caballero and Volpe could split 2B duties

Returning from a long stint in Triple-A and with plenty of questions left unanswered about his production, Anthony Volpe has to work his way back into the lineup and regain Boone’s trust.

Volpe will play in the Yankees‘ rubber game against the Colorado Rockies in what will be his first MLB start since Aug. 1. Although he found his footing in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Volpe is returning to MLB action now, where he carries a four-game hitless streak with him. The sooner he can get that monkey off his back, the better.

Caballero has been in and out of the lineup as of late. In August, the second baseman played in five straight series without missing a single game from Aug. 18-Sept. 2. But in the last month, he’s already been scratched in a couple of games. Thus, it’s safe to assume there is a position battle between Volpe and Caballero to fill Chisholm Jr.’s shoes, as he remains on the 10-day injured list.

Chisholm Jr.’s absence should serve as reminder

Playing in a contract year, Yankees fans have been critical of Jazz’s performance throughout the 2026 MLB season. At times, for good reason; at others, unreasonably so. Regardless, with him sidelined by a right thumb sprain, even if he isn’t expected to be out for long, the Bronx Bombers are finding out just how much they need him—and the questions that arise when he’s out of the lineup.

Perhaps it will serve as a reminder when he comes back, and especially going into the offseason, when Chisholm will become a free agent in MLB. A report indicates he could sign a prove-it deal with the New York Mets. Even if it wouldn’t be like Juan Soto’s situation, it’s safe to assume no fan in the Bronx would want to see another Pinstriper move across town to Queens.

Chisholm Jr. has been placed on the 10-day injured list (IL) with a sprained right thumb. To the Yankees‘ delight, they may have no reason to fear an even longer absence, as the infielder himself said he expects to return within the initial timeline of his IL stint. Concerns about a potentially MLB regular-season-ending injury have been cleared.

“Jazz Chisholm Jr., wearing a brace, said he is confident that he’ll be back before the end of the regular season,” Gary Phillips of NY Daily News Sports reported on X. “He hopes to be ready after the Yankees’ upcoming road trip.“

Chisholm Jr. expects to be back for crucial series

Although the Yankees placed Chisholm Jr. on the 10-day IL on Sept. 10, the move was made retroactive to Sept. 9. That means he can be activated from the IL on Sept. 19, and he could play in the final two games of the Arizona Diamondbacks series (Sept. 18-20). That’s a possibility, but an unlikely one.

With New York playing on the road in Arizona before returning home for the final seven games of the regular season, it’s most likely he will be activated when Boone and company touch down in the Big Apple.

Based on Jazz’s self-reported timeline, that’s exactly what will happen. In doing so, Chisholm Jr. could be back for a trending-to-be decisive, AL East division-title-deciding, four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (Sept. 22-24). After that heavyweight bout at Yankee Stadium, which will include a doubleheader on Sept. 22, the Pinstripers will host the Baltimore Orioles for the final series of the season.

AL East pennant race

As things stand, the Yankees are 3.5 games behind the Rays for first place in the AL East. Even if that holds by the time they meet, the series could well decide who comes out on top in the pennant race.

As much criticism as Chisholm Jr. has received in what’s been a character-testing contract year in the Bronx, he’s recently found his footing, recording a .288 batting average and .801 OPS across August and September. Having him fully healthy for the home stretch may be all the Yankees are missing to take down the first-place team in the division.

“Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been diagnosed with a sprained right thumb. He will be placed on the 10-day injured list,” MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reported on X. “No baseball activities for 7-10 days.”

Perhaps lost in the aftermath of Aaron Judge’s “not happy” admission after being pulled early in his first game back, Chisholm Jr. sounded the alarm in the Bronx. Coming off a two-hit outing during New York’s 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies, Jazz showed signs of discomfort, underwent testing, and unpleasant news revealed itself to the Yankees.

When could Chisholm Jr return?

It remains to be seen how long Chisholm Jr. will be out in the 2026 MLB season. He will be out for 10 days, at least, meaning he could be activated off the IL on Sept. 19. However, because that will be in the middle of a road trip, Jazz could actually return for the circled-in-red, four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (Sept. 22-24).

Needless to say, it’s far from ideal for the pending free agent, who finally found his footing in what’s been a troublesome, ever-dramatic contract year. While a report hints that Chisholm Jr. could sign with the New York Mets, he isn’t paying attention to free-agency rumors. However, being sidelined and unable to help his team in the pennant race definitely doesn’t help.

Chisholm Jr.’s replacement

For the time being, the Yankees have yet to announce a corresponding move to fill the void. Jose Caballero will be the Bronx Bombers’ 2B in Wednesday night’s matchup against the Rockies. However, Aaron Boone and company will be searching for depth alternatives, and it seems they’ve found their match.

According to the New York Post’s Greg Joyce, playing Anthony Volpe at second base is something manager Aaron Boone is giving serious thought to. However, Volpe hasn’t played an MLB game since Aug. 1. Moreover, he’s gone hitless in his last four major-league outings. Since then, he’s been with the Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

Volpe has been making progress since the start of September, registering a .440 batting average and 1.453 OPS. He’s gone 11-for-25 with eight runs and three home runs since the start of the month, and with Chisholm out for at least 10 days and Volpe being a potential shortstop-turned-second baseman, he may have made his case to get his name called up.

“Chisholm Jr. will likely need to sign a one-year prove it deal to regain his value,” Pat Ragazzo wrote on FanSided’s Rising Apple. “Chisholm Jr. is one year removed from posting a 30/30 season in 2025, and the Mets need a second baseman. It feels like they could be linked to Chisholm in free agency this offseason.”

Although Chisholm Jr. put MLB on notice with a “winning mindset” confession and made it clear his mind is fully set on winning the World Series with the Yankees, free agency is still knocking at his door whether he cares to look through the peephole or not. With the postseason looming, so is free agency, and that means rumors will only continue to grow louder.

Jazz could fit right in with NY Mets

When it comes to Chisholm’s future, a job with the cross-town neighbors could make sense. Staying in the Big Apple could be the perfect move for Chisholm Jr. It might come at the expense of how Yankees fans see him, but the 2026 MLB season has proven that many didn’t hesitate to be harsh critics of the former two-time All-Star.

Moreover, he could avoid switching addresses, only having to move his equipment from the clubhouse in the Bronx to the one in Queens. For the Mets, the move could also make sense, as they need a second baseman while they wait for former first-round pick in 2025 Mitch Voit, who also plays shortstop, to be Show-ready.

Needless to say, Chisholm Jr.’s arrival in Queens wouldn’t be like Juan Soto’s back in Dec. 2024 or even Luke Weaver’s signing last free agency. Coming off a head-scratching contract year in 2025, Jazz would have a lot to prove, and his contract will reflect those question marks surrounding him.

Chisholm finally meeting expectations

Regardless, the infielder, who will be 29 next season, has recently found his footing. It took a while, but the results are finally showing for him. Jazz’s hitting improved in August, as he finished the month with a .244 batting average and .703 OPS. He’s off to a hot start to September, too, with a .375 AVG and 1.194 OPS. The sample size is very small, but he is sending the right signals all the same.

If Chisholm can keep his recent performances up, he may enter free agency with a revamped stock. Moreover, if he can perform in the postseason, there’s reason to believe the Bronx Bombers may retain him, as long as Chisholm Jr. wants to stay on a pinstripes uniform.

Throughout the season, Chisholm Jr. has said so little about his plans for free agency that it’s virtually impossible to tell what he wants for his future. It appears he will cross that bridge when he gets to it, and by the time he becomes a UFA, he hopes his name tag also reads “World Series champion” next to it.

Chisholm Jr. has balled out in Queens

As much criticism as Chisholm’s 2026 MLB season can receive, his performances in Queens leave no room for complaints. The Yankees’ infielder put on a show during his visits to Citi Field, as he’s put up a .583 batting average and 1.417 OPS at that venue this year.

Although the Yankees dropped the road series against the Mets 2-1, Chisholm wasn’t to blame. He went 7-for-12 at the plate, recording three runs and driving in two more.

Perhaps in foreshadowing fashion, Citi Field has been where Chisholm Jr. has put up his best numbers on the season. Maybe it’s a sign of what stadium he should call home in MLB, or it may only be that Jazz is meant to torment the cross-Big Apple foes with the Bronx Bombers.

“It’s just a winning mindset,” Chisholm Jr. said about the Yankees’ mentality heading to the 2026 MLB postseason. “We are just out there trying to win games, make it to the World Series, and go win it.“

Chisholm Jr. has been very vocal about his plans to become a World Series champion in 2026. Throughout the MLB season, he’s said it repeatedly. It’s all he’s after, and a big reason why he is unfazed by the prospect of free agency and potentially losing his job in the Big Apple. Moreover, Jazz has found his footing as of late, and his at-bat production is now trending upwards.

Chisholm Jr.’s stats

So far in the 2026 MLB campaign, Chisholm Jr. has put up 67 runs, 104 hits, 19 home runs, and 55 RBIs. His slash-line includes a .232 average, .311 OBP, .408 SLG, and .719 OPS. These are all still the lowest of his career (not including his rookie year), but have been on the rise as of late.

Chisholm Jr. is coming off a strong production in August, and it might be perfect timing. In the past month, Chisholm Jr. slashed for a .244 batting average, .337 OBP, .366 SLG, and .703 OPS. Such numbers allowed Chisholm Jr. to take a victory lap and silence critics, which had been loud all year long in the Bronx.

If he can keep it up, he might avoid finishing with career-low numbers, and his stock would be on the rise heading to the open market. Regardless, that’s a problem for future Chisholm Jr. For the time being, all he cares is about finishing the year strong, carry his red-hot streak into the postseason, and help the Bronx Bombers achieve what they haven’t since 2009.

NY Yankees are on track

Holding a 79-60 record with 23 games left on the regular-season schedule, the Pinstripers would have to go off the tracks to miss the playoffs. As things stand, they hold a four-game lead over the Boston Red Sox and have the tiebreaker thanks to their winning head-to-head record.

New York is 4.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays, who have won seven of their last 10 outings, meaning the AL East title is not out of reach, but it would take a big climb. Still, holding the first wild-card seed is far from the worst thing in the world.

All that matters is when the playoffs come around. Looking back, no one remembers which seed each team had when they made the playoffs; only those who hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy are immortalized.