Let’s not get hypnotised by the highlight reels. The Yankees’ business model isn’t built on feel-good moments—it’s all about cold calculations. Jazz Chisholm Jr just put together the kind of season that usually gets a guy whatever he wants: 31 homers, 31 stolen bases, and a Bronx crowd eating out of his hand. He’s everything you want in a star—flashy, marketable, and by the numbers, one of the best second basemen out there. But here we are, heading into his walk year, and I can’t shake the feeling Brian Cashman is going to let him walk right out the door.

History keeps repeating itself with Cashman. ¿Robinson Canó? Gone. Gleyber Torres? Gone. The Yankees treat second base like it’s just another piece to swap out, not a cornerstone. So while Jazz is putting on a $150 million audition, it might be for every other team except the one he’s carrying right now.

Now, if you want reasons to keep him, the numbers are electric. Chisholm didn’t just luck into 30 bombs—he crushed the ball, sitting in the 91st percentile for Barrel Rate. When he connects, it’s loud. On defence, he shut up the doubters who thought he was just an outfielder pretending at second. He posted elite range, 88th percentile OAA, and his base running? Top 14% of the league. He changes the game every which way.

But there’s always a “but” with Jazz. The strikeouts are scary. He swings and misses more than almost anyone—7th percentile Whiff Rate, 8th percentile Strikeout Rate. That’s the kind of stuff that gets you benched in October. And his .234 expected average? That’s just who he is, not some unlucky streak.

Even Aaron Boone, usually the players’ hype man, sounded different talking about Jazz on a podcast with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman. He didn’t bother sugarcoating things.

“We have some interesting talks in my office from time to time. But I think we have a lot of respect for one another,” Boone said. “The reality is I just demand a lot out of him because he’s capable of so much. It’s on us to just make sure he’s focused on going out there and being the best version of himself.”

That’s not how you talk about a finished product. That’s a coach managing a wild card.

Boone didn’t hide the pressure, either. “This is his walk year. This is his free agent year. So there’s a lot on the lline. We’llsee where it leads as far as the long term goes, or if we take it into free agency.”

The Yankees know exactly who they have: a high-voltage, flawed, show-stopping star who fits Yankee Stadium like a glove but comes with serious risk. If Jazz manages to cut down the strikeouts and repeats another 30/30 season, he’ll price himself out of Cashman’s plans. If he falls off, the Yankees will slap a qualifying offer on him and move on. Jazz always bets on himself, but honestly? When it comes to second base, I’m betting on Cashman’s ruthless streak.

For the first time in four years, the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t gearing up for the Super Bowl in February. That’s sent Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce down two very different roads—both unfamiliar in their own way.

Mahomes is in rehab mode, working hard to recover from the ACL he tore back in Week 15. Meanwhile, Kelce’s enjoying his offseason, even as questions about his retirement keep circling after 13 standout years in the NFL.

Both guys love to hit the golf course when they get the chance. But with Mahomes sidelined by his injury, he’s stuck watching from afar. Kelce, on the other hand, got out there for the WM Phoenix Open on February 4. He showed he’s got more than just football skills, too.

“TRAVIS KELCE WITH AN ABSOLUTE DART ON THE 16TH,” Golf Channel posted, hyping up his tee shot on the par 3. He stuck it close and took home the gold WM chain. Mahomes, probably watching from his couch, cheered Kelce on with a quick, fired-up message.

The Chiefs are waiting on Kelce to decide if he’s coming back, and they need an answer soon—ideally before the new league year starts in mid-March. That’s when teams start making trades and signing free agents, about six weeks ahead of the draft in late April.

Kansas City ended last season 6-11, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. It’s a rough spot after years of deep postseason runs, five Super Bowl appearances, and three championships. Now, the Chiefs are $54.7 million over the salary cap, the biggest deficit in the NFL, just days before the Super Bowl.

On the upside, they hold the ninth and fortieth picks in the draft. There’s a real chance they could add two rookies who can step in and help right away, giving Mahomes and Kelce some support if Kelce returns.

But Kelce’s motivations? Still anyone’s guess. If he wants one more shot at glory, maybe he comes back. But the Chiefs are facing some tough roster decisions, and another Super Bowl run won’t come easy. Mahomes has to get healthy, and both stars will be another year older by 2026.

Off the field, Kelce’s options look even brighter. His “New Heights” podcast is a hit, and everyone expects TV networks to line up with big offers once he retires. Plus, he’s about to marry Taylor Swift. With so much happening in his personal life, that could tip the scales on whether he calls it a career or suits up for another season.