The Yankees' second base situation is a fascinating one, and it's time to dive into the state of their system at this crucial position. The MLB landscape for second basemen is currently lacking in star power, making the few exceptional players even more valuable.
Enter Jazz Chisholm Jr., a true gem in the Yankees' lineup. His 2025 season was nothing short of remarkable, achieving the rare 30/30 feat with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases in just 130 games. Chisholm's name has been floating around in trade talks, but it's highly unlikely the Yankees will let him go. With such a dearth of stars at second base, retaining Chisholm is a strategic move that could pay dividends.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Yankees' farm system for second basemen is not as robust as one might hope. None of their top prospects primarily play second base, and the middle infield depth chart is already crowded. It's unlikely we'll see any minor leaguers making a significant impact in the Bronx this season.
Jorbit Vivas, who played 29 games at the MLB level last year, is the closest to a depth bench role. He showed promise as a contact hitter in Triple-A, but his performance dipped when facing MLB pitching. Vivas will need to prove himself in 2026 to avoid the 'Quad-A' label, and he'll likely start the season in Triple-A.
Behind Vivas, Owen Cobb and Enmanuel Tejeda are the next in line. Cobb, acquired as a free agent in 2024, had a decent showing in the Australian Winter League, but he's behind age-to-level expectations. Tejeda, a 21-year-old international free agent signee, is a well-rounded infielder with great plate discipline. However, he too has fallen behind expectations, still playing in Low-A at the end of 2025. His AFL stint showed glimpses of his potential, but he'll need to take that next step in his development.
The trio of Connor McGinnis, Santiago Gomez, and Gabriel Terrero are expected to start the season in High-A or Low-A. McGinnis, a 2025 draftee, had a strong college season but struggled in his pro debut. Gomez and Terrero, both with extensive time in the Dominican Summer League and Complex League, face an uphill battle to progress through the system.
While the prospect pipeline at second base may not be overflowing, the Yankees' major league depth at the position is a strength. As long as Jazz Chisholm Jr. remains healthy, the Yankees are in a fantastic position at second base for 2026 and beyond. This is a team with a solid foundation, and it will be interesting to see how their second base situation evolves in the coming seasons.
What do you think? Is the Yankees' second base situation a cause for concern, or do they have the right pieces in place? Let's discuss in the comments!
