Before the MLB trade deadline, the New York Yankees enhanced their lineup by completing a trade with the Miami Marlins for All-Star outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.
In exchange for Chisholm, the Marlins received three prospects from the Yankees, including catcher Agustin Ramirez, as reported by ESPN.
Despite holding a 60-45 record this season, New York has struggled offensively. Players such as infielder DJ LeMahieu and outfielder Alex Verdugo have faced challenges, contributing to a dip from their strong start to the 2024 season.
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Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins reacts during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of a wild-card series at Citizens Bank Park on October 4, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Chisholm, a versatile 26-year-old, is expected to bolster manager Aaron Boone’s lineup with his reliable left-handed bat. This season with the Marlins, he has a batting line of .249/.323/.407 with 14 doubles, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs across 101 games.
Nonetheless, his performance in July has been underwhelming, hitting just .198 over the course of 94 plate appearances. However, his on-base percentage stands at .309, courtesy of 12 walks.
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Chisholm brings speed to the Yankees’ base running, an area where they have struggled—ranked 29th in stolen bases this season. He has successfully stolen 22 bases, tying him for 12th in MLB, while the Yankees have totaled just 43 steals this year.
How the Yankees will utilize Chisholm defensively remains to be seen.
Initially, Chisholm played as an infielder, covering second base and shortstop during his first three MLB seasons. In 2023, the Marlins transitioned him to center field, his primary position since then.
The Yankees’ outfield currently features Verdugo in left, Aaron Judge in center, and Juan Soto in right. Boone may consider a designated hitter rotation, allowing players some rest while keeping fresh legs in the outfield.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins catches a ball hit by CJ Abrams of the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park on June 16, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
Given that Verdugo is hitting only .178 in June with a .287 on-base percentage this season, there’s a chance that Soto could shift to left field, Judge could return to right, and Chisholm could take over center field.
A prominent need also exists at third base for the Bronx Bombers; however, Chisholm hasn’t played there in his career. This suggests that GM Brian Cashman may be exploring additional trades to further strengthen the lineup for a playoff push.
The Yankees are all-in with the acquisition of Chisholm, who is not just a temporary rent. He is under team control for two more years before hitting free agency in 2027, which contributed to the requirement of three prospects to finalize the trade.
Chisholm boasts a vibrant personality that aligns well with the high-demand atmosphere of New York, an attribute that Yankees fans will appreciate as long as he delivers on the field.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins in the dugout before a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 14, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
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The Yankees remain in need of corner infielders and bullpen assistance.
The MLB trade deadline is set for July 30.
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