The Real Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Guys like CC Sabathia say Jazz Chisholm is “made for the Bronx”. Right now, that appears to be the truth. The energy is awesome. His production? Amazing. 

Jazz Chisholm’s recent performance with the New York Yankees has been great.  But Jazz Chisholm’s performance with the Miami Marlins was characterized by a mix of explosive potential and notable weaknesses, particularly in his strikeout rate. Chisholm, who joined the Marlins in 2020, quickly became known for his power, speed, and flair on the field, making him one of the more exciting players to watch.

• Power and Speed: Chisholm displayed impressive power for a middle infielder, hitting 34 home runs over his first three seasons with the Marlins (2020-2022). He also utilized his speed effectively, stealing 41 bases during the same period.

• High Strikeout Numbers: Chisholm’s strikeout rate was a significant concern throughout his time with the Marlins. He struck out 145 times in 2021, which was among the highest in the National League. This trend continued in subsequent seasons, with strikeout totals that consistently placed him among the league leaders in this category​. His aggressive approach at the plate often led to high strikeout numbers, which was a double-edged sword. While this approach allowed him to generate power, it also resulted in a high number of strikeouts, reflecting a need for better plate discipline.

Scouts and analysts have praised Chisholm for his dynamic play and the energy he brings to the field. However, some remain cautious about his high strikeout rate, which has been a persistent issue throughout his career. One scout noted that while Chisholm’s athleticism is top-notch, his approach at the plate could use refinement to reduce those strikeouts, a sentiment echoed by other baseball insiders​.

Interestingly, there has also been some exaggerated praise. Some media, Bleeding Yankee Blue included believe that Chisholm is playing out of his shoes. Some recently commented that Chisholm is playing “better than he actually plays,” likely an overstatement given his fluctuating stats and recent streaks. 

Overall, Jazz Chisholm’s tenure with the Yankees so far has been characterized by flashes of brilliance. One thing is clear however… the guy’s got great energy, has a terrific attitude and he appears to be team guy.  That alone is fantastic.  Let’s hope the hot streak continues!

–Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor