Jazz wants $35M AAV over 8-10 years as FA, no discount for Yanks

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. believes he can be a 10-WAR player in 2026, and he's ready to be paid like one.

The two-time All-Star and pending free agent is already eyeing a massive payday next winter. When asked Friday what it would take for the Yankees to sign him to a long-term contract, Chisholm told Randy Miller of NJ.com that he wants a lengthy deal averaging $35 million per season.

"What did I tell you last year? $300 million?" Chisholm said.

"It's probably bigger than that now, probably $35 million."

Regarding contract length, he added: "I'm 28. I want 8-10 years."

If Chisholm lands his desired terms, he would become the highest-paid second baseman in MLB history, surpassing Robinson Canó's 10-year, $240-million deal with the Seattle Mariners in 2014.

Chisholm, who will earn $10.2 million in 2026, will arguably be the best available second baseman next offseason. Other potential competition on the open market could include Nico Hoerner, Gleyber Torres, Brandon Lowe, Luis Arraez, and Ozzie Albies (if the Atlanta Braves decline his $7-million club option). Bo Bichette, a natural shortstop who played second during the 2025 World Series and is now switching to third base, could also opt out of his deal with the New York Mets.

Chisholm apparently has no intention of giving his current team a hometown discount. Despite maintaining that he "love(s) being a Yankee," he made it clear that he won't hesitate to go elsewhere if New York offers him less than his preferred number.

"I'd say no (if the Yankees offered me a $25 million AAV) because I know I can get $35 million somewhere else," Chisholm said. "That's $10 million less a year."

Still, there's one team he'd seemingly turn down unconditionally. Chisholm said he has no desire to join the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who've caused a great deal of controversy with their lavish spending over the last few winters and beat the Yankees in the 2024 World Series.

"I'd go to the (Los Angeles) Angels before I'd go to the Dodgers," he said. "I'd want to go and win by myself. I'd rather build my roof than go to the Dodgers."

The Yankees acquired Chisholm from the Miami Marlins in July 2024, and he has helped them reach the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. Last year, he won a Silver Slugger after posting a .813 OPS while recording his first career 30-30 campaign. However, his 12 errors as a second baseman led the majors at the position.