Same club as last year: Jazz Chisholm Jr. defends the Yankees

Since the announcement of Cody Bellinger's return, the New York Yankees have received their share of criticism this winter, as they will be bringing back virtually the same lineup that lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in the Division Series last year.

In addition to Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Paul Goldschmidt, Ryan Yarborough, Amed Rosario, and Paul Blackburn will also be back in the Bronx.

While the Yankees still won 94 games last season, doubts remain about the team's ability to return to its 2024 standards, namely the World Series. But true to form, Jazz Chisholm Jr. has no doubts about the Yankees' current lineup.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. defends Yankees running it back in 2026: ‘I don't see a problem' https://t.co/7FMfjQy8na pic.twitter.com/bJlKdOhaqV

— SNY (@SNYtv) February 11, 2026

I don't see a problem with having the same team with four MVPs in your lineup.

It's great to have four outstanding players in the lineup, but they have to perform, which wasn't the case for all of them last year, with Giancarlo Stanton injured for much of the season (anyone surprised?) and Goldschmidt's age taking its toll at the end of the campaign.

So it will be up to guys like Chisholm Jr. to step up in 2026, although he already did very well in 2025, with 31 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and an OPS of .813. When asked if he had any extra motivation given his contract situation, he was clear.

I mean, every year, it's just, I want to win an MVP, so it's the same thing. Money, contracts, none of that really means anything if I don't win an MVP award.

Now it's time to put this beautiful maxim into practice, because the Yankees will need it.

This content was created with the help of AI.