When the New York Yankees acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. just before the 2024 MLB trade deadline, it was a move that benefited the franchise not only for this season but for the future as well. At just 26 years old, Chisholm will be arbitration-eligible in 2025 and won’t hit free agency until after the 2026 season, making him a potential cornerstone for the team’s future.
However, after a postseason that has put Chisholm in the spotlight due to his comments and confident demeanor, the question remains: can the Yankees and Chisholm coexist effectively in 2025?
Chisholm stirred controversy when he remarked that the Kansas City Royals “got lucky” in winning Game 2 of the American League Division Series, prompting boos from Royals fans during Games 3 and 4 at Kauffman Stadium. His reputation didn’t improve when he accused Kansas City’s Maikel Garcia of attempting to injure Anthony Volpe with a hard slide at second base.
In light of this drama, New York manager Aaron Boone addressed Chisholm ahead of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians. “We’ve talked,” Boone said. “I want him to be himself and embrace the playoff atmosphere, but he needs to understand our goals and how crucial he is to that. As long as he stays focused, we’re good.”
This brings up the challenge of whether Chisholm can align with the “Yankee way” moving forward. Can he maintain the focus needed to thrive in pinstripes? Concerns about his strong personality surfaced during his time in Miami, a point New York general manager Brian Cashman downplayed after the trade. However, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that some teams opted out of pursuing Chisholm due to his larger-than-life persona.
Chisholm’s character is integral to who he is, and the Yankees are experiencing this dynamic firsthand this postseason.
Entering Game 2 of the ALCS, Chisholm’s words have had a greater postseason impact than his batting, as he’s struggled with just 2 hits in 19 at-bats through his first five October games with the Yankees. This follows a solid regular season where he batted .273/.325/.500 in 46 games.
If the Yankees manage to secure their first World Series title since 2009, Chisholm’s early struggles and comments about the Royals might soon be forgotten. Yet, the relationship between Chisholm and the Yankees extends beyond the postseason.
Chisholm has filled a gap at third base, marking his first time playing that position in his MLB career, which began in 2020. There is speculation that he could return to his natural second base position in 2025, a change that could help the Yankees, provided his performance and demeanor align with the team’s needs.
While that’s a future consideration, Chisholm’s immediate challenge is to follow Boone’s guidance as long as the Yankees remain in the postseason. This question is one to watch closely, as its outcome could have significant implications for both Chisholm and the Yankees moving into 2025 and beyond.
