‘A lot of fun, so much energy’: Yankees enjoying Jazz Chisholm’s tune at spring training

TAMPA, Fla. – Swayed to list some personal 2025 targets, Jazz Chisholm Jr. swung for the fences.

He’s got the Silver Slugger Award and an All-Star Game selection in mind, and why not shoot for a Gold Glove Award at second base, now that he’s back at his natural position?

In these early Yankees’ exhibition games, Chisholm Jr. is getting a look at the leadoff spot, where manager Aaron Boone believes he can thrive.

“Especially since Jazz keeps telling me he’s going to win the MVP,’’ said Boone, and in that case, “you can hit wherever you want.’’

Amid the routine rhythms of spring training, it’s also been Jazz Time at Yankees camp, “just a lot of fun, so much energy,’’ said shortstop Anthony Volpe, Chisholm Jr.’s new double play partner.

“He’s just a great teammate,’’ said Volpe, and “what makes him so good is he brings out the best in the rest of the guys.’’

Speaking of bringing out the best…

“I think we can be the best shortstop-second baseman (combo) in the league, definitely defensively,’’ Chisholm Jr. said during a recent spring training day. “I think we’re probably going to turn the most double plays in the league as well.’’

Jazz Chisholm Jr. back at second base for Yankees

Feb 27, 2025; Clearwater, Florida, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) throws to first to make the double play as Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Christian Arroyo (22) slides into second during the second inning at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Dave Nelson-Imagn Images

Though the Yankees debated their infield alignment this offseason, Chisholm Jr. at second base instead of third base – a position he learned on the fly last summer – improves their defense.

That includes having veteran former Gold Glove Award winner Paul Goldschmidt at first base and likely either Oswaldo Cabrera or Oswald Peraza, both good defenders, at third base.

“Last year, I thought we were bad defensively,’’ GM Brian Cashman said earlier in camp, comments specifically directed to the infield, with Gleyber Torres at second base.

Torres is now a Detroit Tiger, and Chisholm Jr. – who accommodated Torres and the Yanks, agreeing to play third upon being traded from the Miami Marlins – seems even more upbeat during his first spring training in pinstripes.

“I love playing second base, I have fun at the position,’’ said Chisholm Jr., especially “in a winning environment.’’

“And I think his personality helps too, how much fun he has… his imagination on (certain) plays,” said Volpe.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s personality seen as a plus

Feb 17, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) throws the ball during spring training practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dave Nelson-Imagn Images

Moving from the last place Marlins, Chisholm Jr. instantly embraced the idea of being a Yankee, and his high-energy personality became a plus.

“Right away (we) just welcomed him,’’ said Volpe. “Everyone wants him to be the best he can possibly be.’’

It didn’t hurt that Chisholm Jr. instantly accepted a position change and launched four homers in his first three Yankees games, putting aside thoughts about whether his brashness or outgoing manner – reportedly concerns for some clubs at the trade deadline – might be a detriment.

“I feel like when you have that type of clubhouse and you bring someone in, everyone adapts pretty quickly,’’ Volpe said of the Yankees’ room, with Aaron Judge presiding as captain.

“From day one I felt like that,’’ Chisholm Jr. said of his pinstriped comfort level. “They brought me over here and treated me like one of their brothers.’’

Chisholm Jr. even sees a lot in common with Volpe, one of the most buttoned-up young Yankees regulars.

“We have kind of the same personality I feel like off the field. We’re both goofy kids at heart, just want to have fun and enjoy life, play video games,’’ said Chisholm Jr., 27. “We’re basically the same guy.’’

Wait…what?

Jazz Chisholm Jr. swings away

Jul 30, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Yankees third base Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) reacts in front of Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) after hitting a three RBI home run during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

This is also a middle-infield comb that could combine for 40 or more homers.

Combined with the Marlins and Yanks last season, the 5-foot-11, 184-pound Chisholm Jr. launched 24 homers, and he could find himself batting in the middle of the Yanks order as much – if not more – than at leadoff this year.

Who knows – Chisholm Jr. might predict a 40-homer season if he’s batting between Judge and Paul Goldschmidt.

“It’s going to be a superlative every time Jazz speaks of it,’’ said Boone, talking generally about the Jazz standard. “But I do think (Chisholm Jr. and Volpe) are capable of really great things’’ offensively and defensively.

“I like his confidence,’’ Boone said of Chisholm Jr. “But we’ve also got to go back it up.’’

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