Jazz Chisholm Jr. is getting 100% real about his desire to win the MVP

Jazz Chisholm Jr. signed a one-year, $10.2 million contract with New York Yankees to avoid arbitration. He will become a free agent after the 2026 season. However, he does not appear to be prioritizing a new contract, as Chisholm revealed his desire to win the MVP award.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the 28-year-old star infielder admitted that apparently focused on winning MVP this season, according to Yankees Videos. Chisholm is confident he’ll make a ton of money in his next contract, and claims he’ll only feel satisfied if he can take home the AL MVP award in 2026.

“I can make as much as I want, but I don’t have an MVP, I’m not going to be satisfied,” Chisholm said. “It’s more important than (money)”

Jazz Chisholm Jr. was asked if he is motivated to perform given his contract situation:

“I can make as much money as I want, but I don’t have an MVP, I’m not going to be satisfied. That’s more important than that.” pic.twitter.com/LM34hvcV8c

— Yankees Videos (@sniiankees) February 11, 2026

Aaron Judge has taken home the AL MVP award in back-to-back seasons, along with one in 2022. With three MVP titles under his belt, the New York Yankees star is aiming to win the highly coveted award for the fourth time in his career. So if Jazz Chisholm Jr. wants to win the MVP in 2026, he will have to outplay his teammate for the award.

The two-time All-Star had one of his best seasons in 2025. Chisholm finished the campaign by joining the club 30-30 with 31 home runs (a career high) and 31 stolen bases. He also managed to own a .242 batting average and .332 OBP while recording 112 hits and 80 RBIs (career highs).

To beat Jazz Chisholm Jr MVP, he’ll have to have a career year, which is essentially what Aaron Judge did for all three of his MVPs. Judge won the 2025 award after finishing the year with a .331 average (career and league high) and .457 OBP (led MLB) while recording 179 hits, 53 home runs and 114 RBI.

Those are the types of numbers Chisholm will need to put up in his 11th year in the Majors if he wants to be in MVP consideration. He will have his first chance to compete against Judge for the award on March 25 when the Yankees take on the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day.