Despite the controversy surrounding the close call at second base where he was ruled safe, New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. has proven to be a valuable asset on the basepaths. When general manager Brian Cashman traded several promising prospects, including catcher Agustín Ramirez, to acquire Chisholm, the goal was to bring in more speed, athleticism, and power to the infield.
The move appears to have paid off, as Chisholm has delivered on those expectations. With an OPS of .825 since joining the Yankees, he’s not only boosted their offense but also successfully adapted to playing third base, contributing significantly on the bases as well.
Chisholm’s baserunning has been a game-changer for the Yankees
On Saturday, Chisholm stole a base and later scored the game-winning run on a sharp single by Alex Verdugo—a play that not every player in the league could have executed. His confidence was evident when he declared that “no one could throw him out.”
While some Yankees fans criticized Giancarlo Stanton’s baserunning for costing the team two runs that night, Chisholm demonstrated how speed can make a critical difference. With a total of 40 stolen bases this season—18 of them coming after he joined the Yankees—Chisholm has yet to be caught stealing in the team’s uniform.
Although he does strike out often, Chisholm’s ability to impact the game with his speed is undeniable. The Yankees now have a legitimate 40-steal threat in their lineup, and they should continue to leverage his talents. Chisholm has not only made the team’s batting order more dynamic and versatile but also brought a spark of energy that’s invaluable. His speed on the bases has added a whole new dimension to the Yankees’ game.
