2024-07-29 11:20:02
BOSTON — The Yankees believe they possess a stronger roster after adding Jazz Chisholm Jr., but you might be surprised by how they plan to use the speedster.
Acquired from the Marlins on Saturday in exchange for three Minor League prospects, the 26-year-old Chisholm batted fifth and played center field in Sunday’s 8-2 win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Chisholm notched his first hit as a Yankee with a leadoff infield single in the ninth inning. He moved to second on Gleyber Torres’ fielder’s choice grounder, then was checked on after getting hit on his jaw. He shook that off quickly to steal third, and he scored on DJ LeMahieu’s sacrifice fly.
“Today was actually my first time being part of a crowd like that,” Chisholm said. “Being there for it and hearing the rivals, hearing everybody yelling Yankees and Red Sox, I think it was pretty sick.”
Though most of Chisholm’s career has been spent in the leadoff spot (192 starts in 403 games), Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that he envisions using Chisholm in the middle of the batting order, noting that he has seen positive signs from Alex Verdugo and Torres at the top of the lineup in recent games.
“Right now, I’ve got him in the middle of the order,” Boone said. “I kind of see him there right now, especially the way Dugey is starting to swing the bat. I’ll probably throw Gleyber up there when we get a lefty [opponent]. It could be Jazz at some point, too. We’ll just kind of see how it all shakes out.”
Chisholm also might not spend much time in the outfield for the Bombers. Boone said he is looking to plant Chisholm on the infield dirt, though it is not likely that he’ll play much second base, where he moved back to make three appearances (two starts) with the Marlins this season.
Instead, the Yankees plan to have Chisholm work with infield coach Travis Chapman on a crash course at third base, a position where LeMahieu has been struggling. That could begin on Monday in Philadelphia.
“I want him to start working there. It’s not something he’s played,” Boone said. “He came up as a shortstop, and I feel like he has the skill set to do it. He’s open to doing it, but I want to see how that looks. … I think it’s something that has been a part of his game and will continue to be a part of his game, that defensive versatility.”
Said Chisholm: “I went out and there and played center field for the first time last year. It was pretty difficult at first, but I feel like I can go and play anywhere and help my team win. Especially a winning team, if they’re asking me to go somewhere and help them win, I’m definitely going to do it.”
Boone said that Torres also could be considered at third base, but Torres would prefer to remain at second.
“I’m a little reluctant to do that right now, but I will probably have Gleyber work over there a little bit, just on different days to let it shake out naturally,” Boone said.
Chisholm has a stronger arm than Torres, who made it clear that he is not thrilled by the idea of playing third base.
“We had a conversation. Everything is still on the table,” Torres said. “I think in a couple of days I’m going to take some grounders at third, just in case [so] I’m just kind of ready for anything. … I’m a second baseman. I play second.”
Boone said that even though Chisholm will be in the heart of the lineup, the Yankees plan to be aggressive with him on the basepaths.
“I plan on him swiping some bases,” Boone said. “He and [Anthony] Volpe give us two really good stolen base options now.”
The Yankees acquired Chisholm from the Marlins on Saturday in exchange for catcher Agustín Ramirez and infielders Jared Serna and Abrahan Ramirez.
In 101 games for Miami this season, Chisholm (a 2022 National League All-Star) slashed .249/.323/.407 (101 OPS+) with 14 doubles, four triples, 13 homers, 50 RBIs and 22 stolen bases.
“He wants to win,” Boone said. “I certainly could hear in his voice how excited he is to be coming here, and to have the chance to win and play with the Yankees, and play with this team.”
With Tuesday’s Trade Deadline approaching, Boone said that general manager Brian Cashman and the club’s baseball operations department remain at work in Tampa, Fla., attempting to trigger more moves to improve the roster.
“It always takes a couple of teams to match up,” Boone said. “I know Cash and them are all together in Tampa working through every scenario and having the conversations. If not, we’re ready to roll, and it’s our job to go out there and perform with the group we have.”
