MLB News: Yankees Trade for Jazz Chisholm Jr.

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The New York Yankees have announced the acquisition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins in exchange for three prospects: catcher Agustin Ramirez and infielders Jared Serna and Abrahan Ramirez. The team aims to improve its MLB Lines during the regular season.

Chisholm, 26, was a highly touted prospect when the Marlins acquired him from the Diamondbacks in the deal that sent Zac Gallen to Arizona. 

While Gallen has thrived, Chisholm’s career with the Marlins has been inconsistent. After a solid rookie year 2021, Chisholm committed to second base in 2022 and broke out with a .254/.325/.535 slash line, earning a 136 wRC+ and an All-Star nod. However, a stress fracture in his back limited him to just 60 games that season.

In 2023, Chisholm moved to center field due to Miami’s lack of outfield options. While his offensive output dipped to a 103 wRC+, he proved to be a competent defender in center field, posting +4 Outs Above Average despite a -14 Defensive Runs Saved rating. 

In 2024, Chisholm’s offensive numbers have been modest, with a .249/.323/.407 slash line and a 104 wRC+. His defensive metrics have balanced out, making him a roughly average center-field defender.

The Bronx Bombers Got Stronger

Chisholm’s versatility is a significant asset for the Yankees, who have struggled with a lackluster supporting cast around stars Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. The Yankees have a 60-45 record but have struggled in July. Chisholm’s ability to play both the infield and outfield provides manager Aaron Boone with flexibility in addressing lineup weaknesses.

The Yankees could deploy Chisholm in center field to rest Aaron Judge or to replace struggling left fielder Alex Verdugo. Chisholm’s presence also offers a potential solution at second base, where Gleyber Torres has had a down year with a 96 wRC+. 

This flexibility allows the Yankees to optimize matchups, particularly against left-handed pitching, where Verdugo has struggled significantly.

Another significant aspect of Chisholm’s acquisition is his team control through the 2026 season. With several key players, including Soto and Torres, potentially leaving in free agency after 2024, Chisholm provides a long-term building block for the Yankees regarding the regular MLB lines for them.

His future role, whether in the infield or outfield, can be adjusted based on the Yankees’ roster needs and the development of prospects like Oswald Peraza and Jasson Dominguez.

Marlins Keep Rebuilding

In return, the Marlins receive a package of three promising prospects. The 22-year-old Agustin Ramirez is a catcher who reached the AAA level this year. 

Despite ranking as the Yankees’ #20 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Baseball America ranks him third in their system. Ramirez is a bat-first catcher with impressive raw power, hitting .290/.372/.570 in Double-A before his promotion. His defensive future is uncertain, but his offensive potential makes him a valuable asset.

Jared Serna, a 22-year-old infielder, is having a solid season at High-A, slashing .253/.341/.444 with 13 home runs and 11 stolen bases. Ranked #19 by MLB Pipeline and #11 by Baseball America in the Yankees’ system, Serna’s future likely lies at second base due to his fringy arm.

Abrahan Ramirez, a 19-year-old infielder from Venezuela, made his stateside debut this year with a .348/.447/.513 slash line in a complex ball. Although not currently ranked among the Yankees’ top 30 prospects, his performance suggests significant potential.

This trade reflects the Yankees’ strategy to bolster their roster for the playoff push while maintaining flexibility for future seasons. For the Marlins, acquiring young talent fits their long-term rebuilding plans. As MLB Lines adjust to this significant trade, both teams make strategic moves to enhance their competitive standing.