BOSTON — The Yankees believe they’ve added depth to their roster with the acquisition of Jazz Chisholm Jr., but they may be surprised by how they plan to use the speedster.
The 26-year-old Chisholm, acquired from the Marlins on Saturday in exchange for three minor league prospects, batted fifth and played center field in an 8-2 win over the Red Sox on Sunday at Fenway Park.
Chisholm recorded his first hit for the Yankees in the ninth inning with an infield single as leadoff hitter. He advanced to second base on a fielder’s choice grounder by Gleyber Torres and was checked after a ball hit him in the chin. He shook it off, stole third base and scored on a sacrifice fly by DJ LeMahieu.
“Today was actually the first time I’d ever been in a crowd like that,” Chisholm said. “To be out there and hear our rivals and hear everybody yelling for the Yankees and the Red Sox, I think it was pretty awesome.”
Though Chisholm has spent the majority of his career in the leadoff position (starting 192 of his 403 games), Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he envisions using Chisholm in the middle of the lineup, noting that Alex Verdugo and Torres have shown signs of success at the top of the lineup in recent games.
“Right now, we have him in the middle of the lineup,” Boone said. “Especially with how Duesey is starting to swing the bat, I can see him being in the middle of the lineup. If we get a left-handed pitcher, we’ll put Gleyber in the middle of the lineup.” [opponent]Maybe it will become jazz one day. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
Chisholm may not see much time in the outfield with the Bombers either, as Boone is looking to have him anchored in the infield, but he played three games (two starts) at second base with the Marlins this season, so that’s not likely.
Instead, the Yankees plan to pair Chisholm with infield coach Travis Chapman for intensive training at third base, where LeMahieu has struggled, which could begin as soon as Monday in Philadelphia.
“I’d like to see him thrive there. He hasn’t played that position yet,” Boone said. “He came in as a shortstop and I think he has the skill set to play that position. He’s open to playing the position, but I’d like to see what it’s like. … Defensive versatility is part of his game and I think it will continue to be that way.”
Said Chisholm: “Last year was my first time playing center field. It was pretty tough at first, but I feel like I can play anywhere I go and help my team win. If a championship team, especially one that’s winning, asks me to go somewhere and help them win, I’ll definitely do that.”
Boone said he would consider using Torres as a third baseman, but that he would prefer him to remain a second baseman.
“I’m a little reluctant right now, but I’m going to get Gleyber to work out there a little bit, maybe on another day until it just settles in naturally,” Boone said.
Chisholm has stronger arms than Torres, but Torres has made it clear he isn’t keen on the idea of playing third base.
“We’ve had discussions. Everything’s still on the table,” Torres said. “I’ll be at third base and grounding out in a couple of days, just to be safe.” [so] I’m ready for anything. … I’m a second baseman. I’ll play second baseman.”
Boone said that even though Chisholm will be the focal point of the lineup, the Yankees plan to use him aggressively on the basepaths.
“I’m going to have him try to steal bases,” Boone said. “I’m going to have him try to steal bases. [Anthony] Volpe gives us two really good stealing options now.”
The Yankees acquired Chisholm from the Marlins on Saturday in exchange for catcher Agustin Ramirez and infielders Jarred Serna and Abrahan Ramirez.
Chisholm (a 2022 National League All-Star) appeared in 101 games with Miami this season, batting .249/.323/.407 (101 OPS+) with 14 doubles, four triples, 13 home runs, 50 RBI and 22 stolen bases.
“He wants to win,” Boone said. “You could hear it in his voice how excited he is to be here and to have a chance to win and to play the Yankees and to play for this team.”
With Tuesday’s trade deadline looming, Boone said general manager Brian Cashman and the team’s baseball operations department continue to work in Tampa, Florida, to make further moves to bolster the roster.
“There’s always going to be some teams that have to match up,” Boone said, “and I know Cash and those guys are together in Tampa, going through all the scenarios and talking about it. And if that doesn’t happen, we’ll be ready. It’s our job to go out there and perform with our team.”
