The New York Yankees are once again at the center of Major League Baseball’s offseason drama, with a flurry of rumors and transactions swirling as the 2026 campaign edges closer. With Spring Training just weeks away, the Bronx Bombers’ front office appears to be weighing franchise-defining decisions—ranging from blockbuster trades to high-profile free agent pursuits—that could reshape both their infield and outfield for years to come.
One of the most talked-about storylines involves the Yankees’ approach to second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., an All-Star slugger entering the final year of club control. Despite Chisholm’s impressive 2025 campaign—where he hammered 31 home runs, swiped 31 bases, and posted an .813 OPS—there’s little indication that New York plans to offer him a contract extension. According to multiple reports, including Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com, the Yankees’ tradition of rarely extending players under contract continues, leaving Chisholm’s future in pinstripes increasingly uncertain.
The situation becomes even more intriguing with rumors that the Yankees could trade Chisholm if they manage to sign free agent infielder Bo Bichette. Bichette, a career-long Toronto Blue Jay, turned heads last season with a .311/.357/.483 slash line. Though his offensive prowess is undeniable, his defensive struggles—particularly at shortstop—have led many to expect a shift to second base, should he land in New York. The prospect of Bichette joining the Yankees not only heightens the AL East rivalry but also raises questions about whether the offensive upgrade justifies the defensive risk.
“Adding Bichette to the mix would raise more questions about Chisholm’s future with the organization and put pressure on the club to trade the pending free agent before Spring Training, aiming to avoid the type of camp distractions the Red Sox experienced with Rafael Devers after signing Alex Bregman last February,” Harrigan explained. That’s a scenario the Yankees would surely prefer to avoid as they set their sights on a deep playoff run.
The ripple effects of a Bichette signing could extend far beyond the Yankees’ infield. With Anthony Volpe expected to miss Opening Day due to left shoulder surgery, Bichette could slot in at shortstop temporarily. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ outfield picture remains in flux. Talks with free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger have reportedly stalled, but New York has shown a willingness to include opt-outs in their five-year, $160 million offer—a move that could still bring Bellinger back if both sides find common ground. If not, the spotlight could shift to 23-year-old Jasson Domínguez, who’s still working his way back from Tommy John surgery after his much-hyped 2023 debut. Domínguez, with just 529 big league plate appearances, is seen as a potential fixture in left field, while 24-year-old Spencer Jones, MLB Pipeline’s No. 99 prospect, could also earn a look despite concerns about his strikeout rate.
But the Yankees aren’t just focused on their lineup. On January 13, 2026, they made a notable move to bolster their depleted rotation, acquiring right-hander Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins in exchange for a package of four prospects: outfielders Brendan Jones and Dillon Lewis, and infielders Dillon Jasso and Juan Matheus. Weathers, 26, is coming off a 2025 season where he posted an ERA+ of 111 and an FIP of 4.08, showing flashes of promise as a starter. With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt all sidelined by elbow surgeries to start the season, Weathers’ arrival brings much-needed depth—and a fastball that averaged 96.8 mph last year—to a rotation in dire need of reinforcements. He’s under team control through 2028, giving the Yankees some stability as they navigate injury woes.
For the Marlins, the trade returns a quartet of young talent, with Brendan Jones standing out as the No. 15 prospect in the Yankees’ system entering last season. Miami’s decision to move Weathers signals a continued focus on building for the future, as they look to develop their next wave of position players.
Elsewhere in the league, the hot stove continues to burn. The Mets have reportedly made a bold play for outfielder Kyle Tucker, offering a three-year deal worth $50 million per season, with opt-outs that could rival Alex Bregman’s recent contract structure. Tucker’s decision is expected soon, with the Blue Jays also in pursuit with a long-term offer. The outcome could have a domino effect on the AL East, especially if Toronto loses Bichette to the Yankees and pivots to secure Tucker as their new cornerstone in the outfield.
The San Francisco Giants are aggressively seeking upgrades at second base, reportedly discussing trades for Brendan Donovan with the Cardinals and Nico Hoerner with the Cubs. Donovan, who has two years of team control left and can play nearly every position except catcher and center field, is a particularly attractive option. The Cardinals, meanwhile, remain open to moving Donovan to clear a path for top prospect JJ Wetherholt and to acquire more young pitching talent.
The Texas Rangers, fresh off a season where their offense ranked 22nd in runs and 18th in home runs, are focusing their offseason efforts on pitching. With Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jack Leiter anchoring their rotation, the Rangers are seeking both back-end starters and bullpen help to round out their staff. General Manager Chris Young stated, “Pitching is a main focus right now, and we feel pretty good about our offense.”
Other notable developments include minimal trade interest in Astros first baseman Christian Walker, who is coming off a down year and carries a hefty contract. The Minnesota Twins, meanwhile, are looking to shore up a thin bullpen by targeting free-agent reliever Seranthony Domínguez, who split last season between the Orioles and Blue Jays. And in a feel-good twist, veteran lefty Tim Collins is attempting a comeback at age 36, set to throw for scouts in Florida after spending the last two years as a coach in the Phillies’ system.
All these moves and rumors underscore just how volatile and unpredictable this offseason has become. The AL East, in particular, is shaping up to be a battleground, with the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Red Sox all making aggressive plays to gain the upper hand. The Orioles’ offseason activity, after finishing last in 2025, only adds to the intrigue.
As the countdown to Spring Training accelerates, the Yankees face critical choices that could define the trajectory of their 2026 season. Will they double down on their current stars or pivot toward a new era with fresh faces like Bichette and Weathers? One thing’s for sure—the Bronx is buzzing, and the rest of baseball is watching closely.
