Jazz Chisholm Jr. was an All-Star last season, but he has not followed up on that campaign well.
Chisholm came into the season talking about winning MVP and having a 50-home run and 50-steal season. Instead, he is hitting .228 in a contract year. He has been a great player overall since joining the Yankees, but he will likely want to be paid handsomely.
He could be looking for near $200 million in total value, but the question is whether he's worth it. This season's woes are a reason to have doubts, but the Yankees may have to pay him regardless. The state of the Yankees' infield is not great, and Chisholm is currently the only reliable player outside of Ben Rice.
The Yankees could let him walk, but then they would be stuck with Anthony Volpe, Jose Caballero and Ryan McMahon. McMahon has been terrible at the plate ever since the Yankees got him, and Volpe has yet to prove he deserves to be an everyday player. Caballero has looked good as a starter, but even he has an OPS below .700.
Chisholm could end up being the Yankees' second baseman of the future, but they would have to hope this season was a fluke. Even though his average is low, he has an OPS+ above 100 and has 16 home runs. He still has time to snap out of his slump and help the Yankees make a run.
Keeping Chisholm around would then open the door for George Lombard Jr. to take over at shortstop. The two of them could end up being the Yankees' middle infield duo for the next few years if the Yankees pay Chisholm.
Ultimately, the Yankees may have no choice but to pay Chisholm what he wants. They do not have an upgrade ready in-house, and finding a second baseman on the open market next year will not be easy. Luis Arraez would be the best option. Bo Bichette also figures to be available if he opts out of his deal.