The New York Yankees made their first substantial move of the trade season on Saturday, acquiring Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins in exchange for three prospects.
Much is left to be decided about Chisholm's role with the Yankees on both sides of the field. They have a crowded outfield and could use help in various infield slots, and the Marlins had Chisholm play some second base in advance of the trade deadline, ostensibly to market his capabilities at the position. But Gleyber Torres mans the role and has been hitting better of late.
In addition to his defensive positioning, Chisholm's role on the offense will be worth watching. Does manger Aaron Boone slot Chisholm into the lead-off spot, where the Yankees could use help? Or does Boone slot him into the middle part of the lineup to try to extend the offense and keep pressure on opposing pitchers?
Aaron Judge, Chisholm's new star teammate, has thoughts that generally reduce to the idea of, "you can't go wrong putting him anywhere."
Aaron Judge called Jazz Chisholm Jr. "dynamic" and a "weapon."
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) July 28, 2024
"Definitely throw him up there at the leadoff spot or wherever. He's gonna definitely lengthen this lineup." #Yankees
Much of the Yankees lineup has gone cold at points throughout the season. While they have not been immune from short slumps themselves, Judge and Juan Soto are really the only two batters that have been reliable producers at the plate end to end.
Any batter that gives Judge a little more protection, and thus a greater chance of getting a hittable pitch, is great for New York. Chisholm is slashing .249/.323/.407 this season.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Aaron Judge Sounded Pumped About Adding 'Dynamic' Jazz Chisholm to Yankees Lineup.
