Regaining their valued midseason acquisition is the New York Yankees (75–53). According to the organization, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is being activated from the 10-day disabled list and should be available for Friday’s game against the Colorado Rockies (47-81).

An extra big bat might help the Yankees maintain the top record in the American League and lead them to a historic postseason this October, especially with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto playing at maximum capacity. With a.316 batting average, seven home runs, and eleven RBIs in his first 14 games with New York, Chisholm was definitely bringing the firepower.

Sadly, the unstoppable streak came to an end, if only momentarily, on August 12 when he sprained his left elbow during a blowout defeat to the Chicago White Sox. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old infielder and outfielder’s comparatively speedy recovery suggests that he is confident enough in his swing to rejoin the Yankees.

The pitching staff of the Rockies, who possess an MLB-worst 5.54 ERA, might provide Chisholm with the seamless transition he so desperately needs in a weekend series. The 2022 National League All-Star is vital to this squad, and manager Aaron Boone is hopeful that will be the case anyhow.

Is Jazz Chisholm Jr. capable of becoming the Yankees’ third star batsman?

The Yankees have had a boost in confidence from Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, and Gleyber Torres at various times this season, but someone needs to step up and take the No. 3 spot in the batting order as the obvious game-changer. Jazz Chisholm Jr. may be the most qualified person to fill that important position.

The Bahamian has the ideal mix of speed (27 stolen bases) and power (20 home runs in 115 games) to succeed in the postseason. Even though New York usually has an abundance of sluggers, the team has struggled in the postseason due to a lack of variety and quickness. Baseball in the fall requires balance.

Just take a look at the roster of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who unexpectedly made it to the World Series the previous season. All-Stars Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll set the example for them, but they also had to rely on their senior leadership, base-running prowess, and defense.

Think of the miraculous impact those extra intangibles may have—the Yankees already have the luxury of fielding two of the finest hitters in the league. If Aaron Judge can sustain his historic season and Juan Soto keeps up his current form, Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s value could be the catalyst for a year where the drought ends.

But let me be clear. This young player is not the cherry on top of a tasty ice cream sundae from the Yankees. He could be their X-factor in the 2018 postseason. Chisholm, who is back with the men in pinstripes, will try to demonstrate as much.

Significant reports regarding Gerrit Cole’s $144 million contract choice and future with the New York Yankees.

This winter, there will be a lot of rumors about the futures of Gerrit Cole and Juan Soto in the New York Yankees. This offseason, both players are free agents in MLB, but if New York wants to retain both, it will have to shell out about $100 million in 2025.

In the contest for AL MVP, Soto, who turns 26 in October, is pitted against Aaron Judge. During the season, the Yankees made an attempt to sign him to a contract extension, but it soon became apparent that he intended to be free. Although Soto will be the team’s main target in MLB free agency, Cole is an additional issue to consider.

Cole and the Yankees signed a complicated pact. He can choose to become an MLB free agent by declining the $36 million average yearly compensation that he is expected to earn over the course of the next four seasons. Nevertheless, by tack on a tenth year to Cole’s deal, New York can nullify his choice.

If this were to happen, New York would be liable for Cole’s $36 million salary in 2029, when he will be 38 years old. Long-term, the Yankees are taking a big risk with it, especially considering Cole’s injuries and poor play this season. Furthermore, Soto would have more money in 2025 if Cole’s deal was terminated by the Yankees, which would put him ahead of any prospective bidding battle with the New York Mets.

Does Gerrit Cole want to withdraw?

The most likely scenario this winter, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, is that Cole will choose not to accept his deal’s remaining $144 million and forego the remaining four years of his contract. It’s widely believed in the league that after he accomplishes that, New York would extend Cole’s contract by one more year, bringing his total earnings for the following five seasons to $180 million.

This season, the 33-year-old pitcher hasn’t exactly been at his best. Cole has the worst ERA of his Yankees career going into today’s MLB games, and he has struck out less batters (25.1 percent, according to FanGraphs) than he has since 2017.

With a 1.17 ERA and a 26.1 percent strikeout rate in August, New York is hoping that Cole maintains those numbers in September and October. The Yankees appear willing to add that fifth year to his contract in order to keep him from departing, despite the danger to his durability and potential for decline as he ages.