The Yankees' Second Base Dilemma: A Deep Dive
The Yankees' second base situation entering 2026 is a delicate balance between a potential star and a lack of depth. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. as their primary second baseman, the team has a clear asset in a player who can be a 30/30 threat. However, the surrounding talent and future prospects are cause for concern.
The Star: Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Chisholm's 2025 season was a testament to his talent, achieving a 30/30 season in just 130 games. His performance has not gone unnoticed, with trade rumors circulating this offseason as he enters the final year of his contract. Yet, the Yankees might be wise to keep him, considering the scarcity of top talent at second base.
The Lack of Depth and Prospects
The Yankees' infield depth at the major league level is a mix of quality backups and second-division starters: Jose Caballero, Amed Rosario, and Oswaldo Cabrera. But the real issue lies in the lack of top prospects at second base. None of the Yankees' most promising prospects are primary second basemen, and this could hinder their immediate impact.
The Case of Jorbit Vivas
Jorbit Vivas, the only player who could plausibly fill a depth role, had a disappointing performance at the MLB level in 2025. Despite his impressive contact rates in Triple-A, he struggled against MLB pitching, slashing .161/.266/.250 with a 52 wRC+ in 66 plate appearances. This performance raises questions about his future as a 'Quad-A' player.
The Development of Owen Cobb and Enmanuel Tejeda
Owen Cobb and Enmanuel Tejeda, both active in the off-season, are younger prospects. Cobb, acquired in 2024, showed promise in the Australian Winter League but is behind age-to-level expectations. Tejeda, acquired in 2022, has a mature approach and impressive plate discipline but is still in Low-A, missing some games due to injury this year.
The Future: A Trio of Prospects
Connor McGinnis, Santiago Gomez, and Gabriel Terrero are the trio of players expected to start the year in either High-A or Low-A. McGinnis, drafted in the 10th round of the 2025 MLB Draft, had a rough start in his pro debut. Gomez and Terrero, with similar backgrounds, also face development challenges, having spent significant time in the Dominican Summer League and the Complex League.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
The Yankees' second base situation is a delicate balance. While Chisholm Jr. provides a clear advantage, the lack of depth and prospects is a concern. The team must carefully consider their options, whether it's extending Chisholm's contract or developing young talent, to ensure a strong second base presence in the years to come.
