MLB trade rumors: Cincinnati Reds predicted to land $10.2 million New York Yankees star slugger in hopes of improving rotation and title odds

The Cincinnati Reds are still chasing their first World Series title since 1990. With a young roster in place, the front office must decide whether the current group is ready to compete or if an experienced hitter is needed to strengthen the lineup.Jazz Chisholm Jr. has emerged as a possible target. The New York Yankees second baseman is entering the final year of his contract in 2026, and his situation has placed him in trade discussions. A move for Chisholm would give Cincinnati a proven bat while adding energy to the roster.

Trade Structure and Contract Situation

A proposal discussed around the league would send Chisholm to Cincinnati in exchange for starting pitcher Brady Singer and infielder Matt McLain.

Chisholm, 28, signed a one-year deal worth $10.2 million last offseason and remains under team control through 2026. The Reds would take on that salary, making him a one-year addition unless an extension is reached.Singer, 29, agreed to a $12.75 million arbitration contract after a steady 2025 season. McLain, 26, is coming off a bounceback year and provides defensive flexibility in the infield.

How Jazz Chisholm Jr Improves the Cincinnati Reds’ Lineup

Cincinnati Reds already have Elly De La Cruz at shortstop and Noelvi Marte at third base, but the lineup lacks a consistent middle-order hitter.

Jazz Chisholm Jr filled that role in 2025, posting a .242/.332/.481 slash line with 31 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases in 130 games. He earned All-Star honors and won a Silver Slugger.He is ranked among MLB.com’s top-10 second basemen. His speed and power would fit well alongside De La Cruz and give the Reds a more dynamic infield.The Reds finished the 2025 season with 189 home runs, tied for 18th in MLB, and a .750 team OPS, which ranked 22nd.

Chisholm’s .813 OPS and 31 homers could help increase scoring by an estimated 30–40 runs. His 31 stolen bases, sixth in the American League, would also help a team that recorded only 72 steals, tied for 24th.

Why the New York Yankees Might Consider the Deal

The Yankees have young infield options but need reliable pitching depth. Singer posted a 4.03 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and 163 strikeouts across 169.2 innings in 2025, making him a dependable back-end starter.McLain was a top-100 prospect in 2023 and can play both second base and shortstop.

His versatility could help replace the depth lost after Gleyber Torres departed.Jazz Chisholm Jr’s contract year also brings financial questions. Trading him would remove the risk of issuing a qualifying offer that could reach $20–25 million while bringing back two controllable players. Singer’s salary is manageable, and McLain’s projected $2 million arbitration figure fits a cost-controlled roster.

Pros and Cons of the Trade

Pros for the Cincinnati Reds:

• Immediate upgrade at second base over McLain, who hit .230 with 12 home runs in 2025. • A power-speed combination with De La Cruz could place the team near the top of the National League in runs and stolen bases. • Chisholm’s .248 career average and 108 home runs add experience to a young lineup. • The Reds could trade him at the deadline for prospects if the season does not go as planned.

Cons for the Reds:

• Injury history includes oblique strains and back issues that limited him to 130 games in 2025. • Trading Singer weakens a rotation built around Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. • McLain’s .981 fielding percentage and improving offense suggest long-term value.

Pros for the New York Yankees:

• Singer made 32 starts in 2025 and carries a projected 3.5 fWAR for 2026. • McLain’s versatility and .340 BABIP indicate room for growth. • The team avoids a long-term financial commitment to Chisholm.

Cons for the Yankees:

• Moving a 30-30 caliber player could affect an offense that scored 877 runs in 2025. • Singer is reliable but not a frontline starter, and McLain’s .230 average fell below expectations.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. vs. Matt McLain: 2025 Production

Brady Singer Compared to Reds Rotation Average (2025)

Chisholm would provide immediate offensive help for Cincinnati. His production could improve the lineup and strengthen the team’s playoff chances, even with the loss of Singer.Also read: MLB Trade Rumors: Boston Red Sox potentially eyeing $9.35 million Houston Astros hard-hitter to replace Alex Bregman - Romy Gonzalez and Justin Gonzales to be axed?For New York, the return offers rotation stability and infield depth while limiting future payroll risk. The Reds appear to gain more in the short term, while the Yankees focus on roster balance beyond 2026.