MLB Rumors: Yankees Expected to Snub Jazz Chisholm Jr. as Mariners Consider Rocco Baldelli for Managerial Role
As the 2026 MLB offseason gets underway, several teams are making important decisions regarding their rosters and coaching staffs. The New York Yankees are reportedly unlikely to extend a qualifying offer to All-Star second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., while the Seattle Mariners are showing interest in former Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani remains determined to continue pitching in 2027 despite concerns about injuries that affected him during the 2026 season.
Yankees Unlikely to Extend Qualifying Offer to Jazz Chisholm Jr.
The New York Yankees are reportedly preparing to move in a different direction at second base after a disappointing 2026 campaign from Jazz Chisholm Jr.
According to a report by New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, the Yankees are unlikely to extend a qualifying offer to the All-Star infielder. The offer would provide a fully guaranteed one-year contract worth approximately $23.1 million.
The decision suggests that New York may be ready to explore alternative options rather than risk retaining Chisholm under the qualifying-offer arrangement.
Chisholm’s future with the Yankees has become a major offseason storyline, with several potential destinations emerging as possibilities. The Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays have been mentioned as potential landing spots for the infielder.
The Detroit Tigers could also attract attention in the second-base market, particularly with Gleyber Torres approaching free agency. However, their level of interest in Chisholm remains uncertain.
Interestingly, Chisholm replaced Torres in New York following the 2024 season, adding another layer to the developing situation.
While the Yankees appear reluctant to retain Chisholm through a qualifying offer, they are reportedly expected to extend the same offer to veteran closer David Bednar.
Bednar recorded a 2.47 ERA and 35 saves during the regular season, helping the Yankees finish with 93 wins. He also delivered three scoreless innings during the postseason.
The Yankees must make their qualifying-offer decisions before the mid-November deadline.
Mariners Reportedly Interested in Rocco Baldelli
The Seattle Mariners continue their search for a new manager following the dismissal of Dan Wilson at the end of the 2026 season.
Despite making an early coaching change, Seattle has yet to finalize a replacement. The team’s managerial search has included interest in former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada, who was interviewed before Houston decided to part ways with him.
According to Jon Heyman’s reporting, the Mariners are also interested in Rocco Baldelli, who managed the Minnesota Twins for seven seasons.
Baldelli guided Minnesota to three postseason appearances during his tenure. His most notable achievement came in 2023, when the Twins won their first playoff series in more than two decades by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Wild Card Series.
His experience leading a competitive team could make him an attractive candidate for Seattle as the organization looks to build on its recent progress.
However, it remains unclear whether the Mariners have interviewed Baldelli or plan to meet with additional candidates.
Wilson, who took over as Seattle’s manager in August 2024, has not yet announced his plans for the 2027 season.
The Mariners’ next managerial appointment will be an important decision as the club looks to strengthen its position in the American League and pursue greater postseason success.
Shohei Ohtani Determined to Continue Pitching in 2027
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani intends to continue pitching in 2027, although his health remains a significant concern following an injury-affected season.
Speaking to reporters after the Dodgers’ season-ending loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, Ohtani reaffirmed his desire to remain a two-way player.
However, questions remain about whether he will require additional surgery on his knee or biceps after dealing with injuries to both areas during the 2026 campaign.
Ohtani has already undergone two elbow surgeries, making his long-term pitching workload an important consideration for the Dodgers.
Although the Japanese superstar wants to continue pitching, the organization must carefully evaluate the potential risks before determining his role in the rotation next season.
Keeping Ohtani healthy will be a priority, particularly as the Dodgers look to remain competitive and pursue another championship.
The team could explore additional starting-pitching options during the offseason to reduce the pressure on Ohtani.
Potential alternatives mentioned in offseason discussions include Reid Detmers of the Los Angeles Angels and Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers, although acquiring deGrom could be complicated by his no-trade clause.
The Dodgers’ approach to Ohtani’s pitching future will be one of the major storylines to follow as the offseason progresses.
Major MLB Offseason Storylines
The Yankees’ decision regarding Chisholm, Seattle’s managerial search, and Ohtani’s pitching plans highlight several important developments across Major League Baseball.
For New York, the focus is on determining the right direction at second base while maintaining a competitive roster.
Seattle must identify a manager capable of leading the club forward, with Baldelli emerging as a potential candidate because of his previous postseason experience.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers face the challenge of balancing Ohtani’s ambition to pitch with the need to protect one of baseball’s most valuable players.
As the offseason unfolds, these decisions could have significant implications for the 2027 MLB season.
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