Twenty-four hours after the Yankees and Miami Marlins announced on Saturday replacement for Jazz Chisholm Jr.the 26-year-old center fielder was a starter in New York and contributed to Sunday’s 8-2 to win with the Boston Red Sox.
“My reaction when I found out I was being traded here? It was great,” Chisholm said after a 1-for-5 debut that included a stolen base and a run scored. “I mean, I found out I was going to a rival team, a team that was in first place, fighting for a spot in the playoffs… I’m excited to play in October for the Yankees.”
The Nassau, Bahamas native — originally signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks as an international free agent in July 2015 before a July 2019 trade to Miami — debuted on Sept. 1, 2020, with the Marlins, whose Yankees legend Derek Jeter partial ownership from September 2017 to February 2022.
“Every kid dreams of being a Yankee,” said Chisholm, who slashed .249/.323/.407 with 66 home runs, 205 RBI and 81 stolen bases in 403 games from 2020-24. “It’s the most famous team in baseball, which Derek Jeter kept playing, you know what I mean? Everyone’s favorite player was Derek Jeter, growing. I owned it. So I feel like it was right to go out and put on the uniform.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said in its pregame media availability that New York would utilize Chisholm — originally a second baseman, before moving to center field ahead of the 2023 season — for his versatility, including third base, and Chisholm appears to be ready for the challenge.
“I mean, I went out there and played center field for the first time last year,” Chisholm said. “And I felt like it was really hard at first, but I feel like I can play anywhere and help my team win, you know what I mean? So for me, it’s just going somewhere – especially a winning team – and if they ask me to go somewhere to help them win, I’ll definitely go there and do it.”
