The Yankees spiced up their clubhouse when they acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins before the trade deadline. The flashy utility man — who has been undoubtedly the most interesting quote throughout the postseason — has brought plenty of swagger and athleticism to the Bombers.
And despite the loss, the Yanks saw the impact of his speed on the biggest stage in Game 1 against the Dodgers in the World Series. The 26-year-old stole three bases on Friday night including two in the top of the 10th where he stole both second and third before scoring on Anthony Volpe’s go-ahead fielder choice.
“I feel like I’m in scoring position if I’m on first base,” said Chisholm. “I don’t think about steals being the only way I can score. Ball hit in the gap, scoring from first base. Just being able to keep on going and reading the ball and reading the play. Keeping everybody on their feet and making sure everybody’s awake out there.”
Chisholm created a run essentially by himself, and they’ll need him to create plenty more to keep up with the Dodgers. The All-Star’s skills on the bases grade out near the top of the league as his baserunning value ranks in the 98th percentile with 81st percentile speed, according to BaseballSavant.
The Yankee third baseman stole 40 bases in the regular season between the Yanks and Marlins, a skill he’s been equipped with dating back to his youth baseball years.
“Yeah, I was always stealing bases as a kid growing up. But just watching the game, seeing the way other players move, the way they pitch, the way the catchers move, the position players move when it’s not a pickoff or something like that. It’s just watching everybody’s overall game.
“You could even see — you could even peek in the outfield with the PitchCom nowadays, they tell you when to pick off — when they’re picking off. Some guys get a little bit lazier, so you already know they’re picking off. It’s just reading the game, reading the guys’ personalities and what they do on the field.”
Aside from taking advantage of technology, Chisholm attributed the new rules — such as bigger bases and limits on pickoff attempts implemented in 2023 — to changing the game on the base paths.
“Yeah, I feel like it’s changed the game, but I feel like it made it a lot more funner,” he said. “I think catchers are enjoying the game a little bit more because they’re trying to throw guys out. I feel like it’s just enjoyment for everybody. Bigger guys, slower guys get to try to steal bags now. They’re having fun out there. So I think it’s cool.”
KING OF THE GIL
The Yankees have officially called upon Luis Gil to pitch Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. The right-hander will be making his second career postseason start after his playoff debut in Game 4 against the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS.
The 26-year-old tossed four innings, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out three in that Game 4 win. The rookie actually has some experience against the Dodgers as he tossed 5.2 innings, surrendering three runs on June 9 in the Bombers’ lone win of the three-game set.
JUDGE WINS AWARD
The postseason hasn’t been too kind to Aaron Judge, however, his regular season remains one to remember.
The captain was named both Player of the Year and American League Outstanding Player of the Year in the Players Choice Awards. The 32-year-old slashed .322/.458/.701 with 58 homers and 144 RBI’s on his way to likely his second AL MVP award.
