Jazz Chisholm Jr. wants Angels over Dodgers for $35 million yearly contract

Jazz Chisholm Jr. wants a $35 million yearly contract and favors the Angels over the Dodgers. This is a major decision for his baseball future.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

Reports suggest that Major League Baseball player Jazz Chisholm Jr. is prioritizing certain teams for his future contract, with indications he favors signing with the Los Angeles Angels over the Los Angeles Dodgers. This emerging narrative follows a season where Chisholm has expressed ambitious personal goals and is nearing the end of his current contract, creating a significant period of transition for his career.

High Stakes and Ambitious Goals

The current focus on Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s future revolves around his impending free agency and his stated career aspirations. As he approaches the end of his contract, discussions around his value and preferred destinations have become prominent. Chisholm has openly shared his desire to achieve a rare statistical feat: a 50-home run and 50-stolen base season. This ambition is not only a personal benchmark but also appears to be a factor in his contract negotiations, as he aims for a deal that reflects his potential as a high-impact player.

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Context: Contract Status and Player Ambitions

Jazz Chisholm Jr., currently a player for the New York Yankees, is on track to become a free agent. Reports indicate he is seeking a substantial contract, with one source suggesting a demand of $35 million per year for 8-10 years. This figure underscores his belief in his own capabilities and his expectation of a significant payday.

  • Contract Timeline: Chisholm is a pending free agent, with his contract status a key factor in current discussions.

  • Performance: He achieved a .813 OPS and a 30-30 season (30 home runs, 30 stolen bases) in the previous year, earning a Silver Slugger award.

  • Defensive Record: Notably, he also led the league with 12 errors at second base.

  • Ambitions: Chisholm has expressed a goal of becoming a 10-WAR (Wins Above Replacement) player in 2026. He is also aiming for a 50-home run and 50-stolen base season.

  • Extension Talks: As of mid-February 2026, Chisholm has not had extension talks with the Yankees.

  • Trade Rumors: Chisholm's name has been involved in trade rumors throughout the past winter, though he has stated he tunes out such speculation.

Evidence of Team Preferences and Contract Demands

Information regarding Chisholm's potential contract demands and team preferences stems from recent reports and interviews.

  • Angels vs. Dodgers: A report from Dose.ca indicates Chisholm would "rather sign with the Angels than the Dodgers." The motivation cited is a desire to emulate Shohei Ohtani, suggesting an admiration for Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities or career path.

  • Contract Valuation: The Score reports that Chisholm wants a $35 million Average Annual Value (AAV) over 8-10 years as a free agent and does not intend to give his current team a "hometown discount."

  • All-Star Recognition: Chisholm is a two-time All-Star.

  • Historical Comparisons: His goal of reaching a 50-50 season places him in pursuit of a benchmark previously achieved by players like Barry Bonds and Ronald Acuña Jr. He is also aware of career milestones, noting Jeff Kent's career home run total.

Team Interest and Trade Proposals

While Chisholm's long-term focus is on free agency, there have been indications of other teams showing interest.

  • Angels' Trade Offer: Fanrecap.com reports that the Los Angeles Angels have "crafted the ideal trade package" to acquire Chisholm from the Yankees, offering a combination of current talent and future prospects.

  • Yankees' Contingency: MLB Trade Rumors noted a scenario where the Red Sox might pivot back to Chisholm as a free agent if certain other player acquisitions do not materialize.

Chisholm's Personal Goals and Motivations

Chisholm has been vocal about his performance goals for the upcoming season, which appear to be intertwined with his contract aspirations.

  • 50-50 Ambition: His drive to achieve a 50-50 season is a central theme, with the belief he can reach this "ultra-exclusive" club. This is presented as a direct challenge or aspiration related to players like Shohei Ohtani.

  • Statistical Targets: Beyond the 50-50 mark, Chisholm has also mentioned goals for MVP, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger awards for 2026.

  • Confidence: Chisholm is described as "incredibly confident" in his abilities. This confidence is echoed by his teammate, Aaron Judge, who reportedly laughed when told about Chisholm's 50-50 ambitions, suggesting a high level of personal belief from Chisholm.

Expert Perspectives and Market Signals

While direct expert commentary on Chisholm's specific team preferences is limited in the provided data, the reported contract demands and performance targets offer insights into his market value.

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  • The $35 million AAV demand positions him among the elite tier of baseball players, aligning with his self-assessment as a potential 10-WAR player.

  • His pursuit of a 50-50 season is a statistically significant endeavor that, if achieved, would dramatically increase his free-agent value.

Conclusion and Unresolved Questions

The available information points to Jazz Chisholm Jr. having clear aspirations for his upcoming free agency. He is seeking a long-term, high-value contract and has expressed a preference for signing with the Los Angeles Angels, possibly influenced by the career path of Shohei Ohtani. His ambitious personal goals, including a 50-50 season, are central to his self-valuation and potential contract discussions.

However, several key aspects remain unconfirmed:

  • Angels' Offer Details: The specifics of the "bold trade offer" from the Angels to the Yankees are not detailed.

  • Dodgers' Interest Level: The extent of the Dodgers' actual interest in Chisholm is not elaborated upon beyond Chisholm's stated preference.

  • Yankees' Future Plans: The Yankees' long-term plans for Chisholm, especially given the absence of extension talks, are not clear.

  • Chisholm's Ultimate Decision: The final destination and contract terms for Chisholm will depend on his performance leading up to free agency and the offers he receives.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Jazz Chisholm Jr. want to sign with the Los Angeles Angels instead of the Dodgers?
Jazz Chisholm Jr. reportedly prefers the Angels over the Dodgers. He wants to follow the career path of Shohei Ohtani, who also played for the Angels.
Q: How much money does Jazz Chisholm Jr. want for his next contract?
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is seeking a contract worth $35 million per year. He wants this deal to last for 8 to 10 years.
Q: What are Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s personal goals for the 2026 season?
Chisholm wants to have a 50-home run and 50-stolen base season. He also aims to win MVP, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger awards, and become a 10-WAR player.
Q: Has Jazz Chisholm Jr. talked about a new contract with the New York Yankees?
No, as of mid-February 2026, Jazz Chisholm Jr. has not had any contract talks with the New York Yankees about an extension.
Q: What trade offer have the Los Angeles Angels made for Jazz Chisholm Jr.?
The Los Angeles Angels have reportedly made a trade offer to the New York Yankees for Jazz Chisholm Jr. The exact players in the offer are not known.