The New York Yankees made their first major trade of the season on Saturday, acquiring Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins in exchange for three prospects. Much has to be resolved regarding Chisholm’s role with the Yankees on both sides of the field. They have a crowded outfield and could need help in many infield positions, so the Marlins had Chisholm play some second base before the trade deadline, purportedly to market his ability at the position. But Gleyber Torres plays the role and has been hitting better of late.
In addition to his defensive positioning, Chisholm’s involvement on offensive will be interesting to monitor. Does manager Aaron Boone put Chisholm in the leadoff spot, where the Yankees might use some help? Or does Boone place him in the middle of the lineup to lengthen the offense and put pressure on opposition pitchers? Aaron Judge, Chisholm’s new star teammate, has opinions that boil down to the notion that “you can’t go wrong putting him anywhere.”
Aaron Judge called Jazz Chisholm Jr. "dynamic" and a "weapon."
"Definitely throw him up there at the leadoff spot or wherever. He's gonna definitely lengthen this lineup." #Yankees
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) July 28, 2024
Much of the Yankees lineup has gone chilly at times this season. While they have experienced their own little slumps, Judge and Juan Soto are the only two batters who have consistently produced at the plate. Any batter who provides Judge with extra protection, and thus a better chance of receiving a hittable pitch, benefits New York. Chisholm is batting.249/.323/.407 this season.
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