The Philadelphia Phillies could be preparing for a major change to their infield after the 2026 season, and one potential target could bring both star power and considerable offensive upside to the lineup.
With the 2026-27 offseason approaching, Philadelphia is expected to examine several options to strengthen an offense that has experienced some inconsistencies. The futures of Alec Bohm and Luis Arraez could play a major role in determining what direction the Phillies take, as both players are expected to reach free agency.
If either or both depart, Philadelphia could have an opening in the infield. While the Phillies could simply pursue another third baseman or shortstop, there is another intriguing possibility: sign an established second baseman and shift Bryson Stott to third base on a full-time basis.
That strategy would not be unfamiliar to the organization. Philadelphia already demonstrated its willingness to rearrange the infield when it acquired Arraez, meaning another aggressive positional adjustment would hardly come as a shock.
And now, one MLB projection has connected the Phillies to an especially intriguing name: New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, Philadelphia could emerge as one of the strongest fits for Chisholm once he reaches free agency. Miller predicts that the Phillies could ultimately offer the talented infielder a six-year, $126 million contract.
A $126 million commitment would represent a significant investment, but it could also give Philadelphia another dynamic offensive weapon if Chisholm is able to rediscover the form he displayed during his first full season with the Yankees.
Why Chisholm Could Make Sense for Philadelphia
Chisholm’s 2025 campaign demonstrated exactly why a team could be willing to make such a substantial financial commitment.
In 130 games for New York, Chisholm hit .242 with an impressive .813 OPS. He also launched 31 home runs, drove in 80 runs, collected 15 doubles and scored 75 runs. His production translated to 4.1 bWAR, showcasing his ability to impact a game in multiple ways.
His 2026 numbers, however, have been considerably less impressive.
Through 108 games, Chisholm has produced just a .215 batting average and a .689 OPS while accumulating approximately 1.0 bWAR. Those numbers naturally raise questions about whether committing six years and $126 million to him would be too aggressive.
That concern could make the potential deal particularly fascinating.
Philadelphia would essentially be betting on the player Chisholm has shown he can become rather than simply paying for his current production. If the Phillies believe their coaching staff and offensive environment can help him return to his 2025 level, the investment could potentially pay off.
A return to that form would give Philadelphia another legitimate power threat while adding athleticism and versatility to the infield.
What Happens to Bryson Stott?
One of the most interesting aspects of a potential Chisholm signing would be the ripple effect across Philadelphia’s infield.
Rather than forcing Chisholm into another position, the Phillies could move Bryson Stott to third base and allow Chisholm to take over at second.
That would give Philadelphia an infield configuration built around a new second baseman while potentially providing the organization with a clearer long-term solution at third base.
The plan could become even more logical if Bohm leaves in free agency. His struggles during the 2026 season have already created uncertainty about whether he remains part of Philadelphia’s long-term plans.
In that scenario, the Phillies would have an opportunity to reshape the infield rather than simply replace Bohm with another third baseman.
Could Philadelphia Keep Luis Arraez Instead?
There is also a strong argument for the Phillies simply retaining Arraez.
Since arriving in Philadelphia, Arraez has provided the type of contact-oriented offensive approach that can make a lineup more difficult to navigate. His ability to put the ball in play and consistently create pressure for opposing pitchers makes him an appealing option.
However, Philadelphia could ultimately prefer Chisholm’s greater power potential.
Arraez also comes with questions of his own, particularly defensively. Although his 2026 defensive performance may represent an improvement, his defensive results during the previous two seasons were considerably less encouraging.
If the Phillies believe his recent defensive improvement is sustainable, keeping Arraez could still make considerable sense.
But if Philadelphia wants more power, athleticism and upside, Chisholm could become a more intriguing alternative.
Is $126 Million Too Much?
The six-year, $126 million projection would average $21 million per season, putting Chisholm in a significant financial tier but not necessarily at an overwhelming price for a player with All-Star-level upside.
The biggest question would not necessarily be whether Chisholm has the talent to justify the contract. It would be whether Philadelphia believes he can consistently reproduce the offensive production he showed in 2025.
A player capable of combining 30-plus home-run power with speed, athleticism and defensive versatility could transform the Phillies’ lineup.
But his current .689 OPS serves as an important warning.
For Philadelphia, the potential signing would therefore come down to projection versus production. The Phillies would be betting that Chisholm’s current struggles are temporary and that his previous success represents the player they would be acquiring for the long term.
If that gamble works, Philadelphia could enter the 2027 season with a significantly more explosive offense.
If it doesn’t, a six-year commitment could become a major financial burden.
For now, the idea remains a prediction rather than a confirmed negotiation. But with Bohm and Arraez potentially departing and the Phillies searching for ways to keep their championship window open, Jazz Chisholm Jr. could become one of the most fascinating names to watch when free agency begins.
Leave a Reply