The Yankees' star infielder could go crazy in the playoffs

The Yankees are preparing to face either the Baltimore Orioles or Kansas City Royals in the ALDS, and they will need the contributions of every player on the roster to advance. Known for their firepower, especially with stars like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Yankees are prepared to take on difficult pitching drills, a common challenge in the postseason.

However, one key player who could have a big impact in the playoffs is Jazz Chisholm, who went from the Miami Marlins to the Yankees at the trade deadline.

Chisholm's midseason surge with the Yankees

Since arriving in New York, Chisholm's numbers have improved significantly and he has been vocal about his excitement about playing for a team with championship aspirations.

“In Miami we had two to three games a year where the crowd was present and those were my best games. I’ve been waiting for the moment where I can have that every day,” Chisholm said, noting the difference between playing for a contender and a rebuilding team.

The 26-year-old infielder played in 147 games this season, including 101 with Miami. During his time with the Marlins, Chisholm hit .249/.323/.407, had 13 home runs, 50 RBIs, 22 stolen bases and a wRC+ of 100, making him an average MLB hitter. He accumulated 1.7 WAR during his time in Miami.

But his performance with the Yankees was far better. In 46 games, Chisholm hit .273/.325/.500, contributed 11 home runs, 23 RBIs and 18 stolen bases with a WRC+ of 132, a 32% improvement from his time with the Marlins. His isolated performance (ISO) increased from 0.158 to 0.227, reflecting a significant increase in production.

Chisholm's versatility and playoff potential

Chisholm may not be one of the best contact hitters or sluggers in the league, but he is a versatile offensive weapon with elite baserunning skills. He has a career-high 40 stolen bases this year, and that speed could prove invaluable in the postseason where every base counts.

In addition to his offensive value, Chisholm was also a standout defensive player at third base, a position he had never played that season. Over 400.1 innings at the hot corner, Chisholm recorded -2 ​​defensive runs saved but six outs above average, suggesting he was an above-average defender, a surprising feat considering his lack of experience at the position has.

A valuable acquisition at the trade deadline

To acquire Chisholm, the Yankees had to part ways with a promising catching prospect, Agustin Ramirez, but the move paid off in spades. Chisholm quickly emerged as a key contributor and showed star potential in his short time with the team. Even better for the Yankees, Chisholm remains under team control for two more years and his free agency isn't set until 2027.

Conclusion: Chisholm could be the X-factor

As the Yankees move into the ALDS, Jazz Chisholm could be the player who makes the difference. His speed, power and surprising defensive abilities give the Yankees an added dimension on both offense and defense. With the postseason now underway, the Yankees are counting on him to continue his winning streak and help the team achieve their championship goals.