A dynamic second base trade target has emerged for the Mariners in New York

If the Mariners are serious about upgrading second base without potentially punting offense into the Puget Sound, there’s a new name worth circling in Jazz Chisholm Jr.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, teams have been asking about Chisholm — and the Yankees have listened. Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch added the key context: New York isn’t publicly “shopping” him, but Brian Cashman said the Yankees are staying “open-minded” as they look for ways to upgrade their pitching. 

That’s basically front-office speak for: we like the player… but make it make sense for us.

Mariners may have a new second base answer in Jazz Chisholm Jr.

From Seattle’s perspective, it’s easy to see why you’d at least pick up the phone. Chisholm just put together the kind of season the Mariners keep begging for from the keystone spot: 31 homers, 31 steals, and a .242/.332/.481 line. 

And the best part for Mariners fans who’ve watched too many warning-track outs die at T-Mobile Park: Chisholm’s power isn’t built on cheap porch magic. Statcast’s park overlays are basically made for the “would it play here?” argument — and by that measure, 29 of his 31 homers still clear the fence at T-Mobile, even in those pitcher-friendly confines.

The roster fit is clean on paper, too. Chisholm can handle second (his primary lane), and he’s also been used at third, which matters for a Seattle infield that’s constantly one point of failure away from patchwork week. He’s an All-Star caliber second baseman with power, speed, and defense — the whole package. 

Then there’s the money/years angle. Chisholm is entering his final arbitration year and can hit free agency after 2026. MLB Trade Rumors projects him around $10.2 million next season — not nothing, but more than playable for an impact bat. That timeline also could make him cheaper (in trade) than multi-year, higher-control targets like Brendan Donovan or Ketel Marte.

None of this means the Mariners are definitely in — we don’t know that. But if Seattle wants a legit 30/30-level athlete in his prime, and the Yankees are taking calls? That’s the kind of market inefficiency the Mariners have to be ready to pounce on.