Yankees Star Jazz Chisholm Jr. Focused on Winning MVP

Chisholm prioritizes individual accolade over contract negotiations

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. has made it clear that his top priority is winning the American League MVP Award, even more so than securing a lucrative long-term contract. Chisholm, who is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, believes he can make as much money as he wants, but says he won't be satisfied unless he can take home the MVP trophy.

Why it matters

Chisholm's comments highlight his drive and ambition to be recognized as one of the best players in baseball. As a teammate of three-time MVP Aaron Judge, Chisholm will have to put up career-best numbers to outshine his teammate and win the award himself.

The details

Chisholm, 28, signed a one-year, $10.2 million contract with the Yankees to avoid arbitration. He's set to become a free agent after the 2026 season. In 2025, Chisholm had one of his best seasons, joining the 30-30 club with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases. He batted .242 with a .332 on-base percentage, 112 hits, and 80 RBIs. To win MVP, Chisholm will likely need to post numbers similar to Judge's 2025 campaign, when he led the league in batting average (.331) and on-base percentage (.457) while hitting 53 home runs and driving in 114 runs.

  • Chisholm signed a one-year, $10.2 million contract with the Yankees to avoid arbitration.
  • Chisholm is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.
  • Chisholm had a career-best season in 2025, joining the 30-30 club.

The players

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

A 28-year-old infielder for the New York Yankees who is focused on winning the American League MVP Award.

Aaron Judge

A three-time MVP winner for the New York Yankees who Chisholm will have to outperform to win the award.

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What they’re saying

“I can make as much money as I want, but I don't have the MVP, I'm not going to be satisfied. That's more important than [money].”

— Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Yankees Videos)

What’s next

Chisholm will have his first chance to compete with Judge for the MVP Award when the Yankees take on the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day on March 25.

The takeaway

Chisholm's laser-focus on winning the MVP Award over securing a lucrative long-term contract demonstrates his drive to be recognized as one of the best players in baseball. As a teammate of three-time MVP Aaron Judge, Chisholm will have to put up historic numbers to outshine his teammate and claim the prestigious individual honor.