On July 27, multiple reports indicated the Yankees will acquire Jazz Chisholm Jr. via trade from the Miami Marlins. The move comes amidst a sluggish 6-13 stretch in July for the Yankees and in need of offense thanks in part to cold spells from DJ LeMahieu and Alex Verdugo. Plus, the addition gives the Yankees options for beyond 2024.

The Yankees’ Return

• 2B/OF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (.249/.323/.407, 13 HR and 31 XBH in 101 G)

Miami acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. five years ago for Zac Gallen in a “baseball trade.” Miami had many young pitchers but not a lot of high-end hitting prospects. The Fish opted to add Chisholm Jr., a flashy hitting prospect with power and speed, with a penchant for striking out. During the 2019 campaign in the Minors, the new Yankee posted a 32.1% K% over 458 plate appearances.

Strikeouts have been a problem for Chisholm Jr. in spurts as a Major Leaguer. But, he’s also been quite the electrifying hitter. The 25-year-old belted 18 home runs over 124 contests (507 PA) in his rookie season three years ago. And in 2022, Chisholm Jr. cracked 14 home runs across 60 games en route to an All-Star selection.

Back problems derailed him for much of that 2022 campaign and a turf toe problem limited Chisholm Jr. to 97 games a year later. He’s been on the field for all of 2024 but his ISO (.158) would be a career-low.

That could be something that changes once in Yankee Stadium. Chisholm Jr. is a pull-leaning power hitter with bat speed and a knack for drilling pitches middle-middle and in the lower half of the zone. It’s a longer swing but a clean one.

Chisholm Jr. is also a chaser, although it hasn’t affected his strikeout or walk numbers. Mainly, because he’s made a lot of contact out of the zone this season; his 58.3% rate is 15% more than in 2023. He does work counts well, north of four pitches per at-bat. Hence, his above-average BB% (9.1%) rate in 2024.

Defensively, Chisholm Jr. spent the bulk of his early MLB career in the middle infield. The Marlins moved him to center, a move that on paper made sense to unlock his speed. It did, as he had a +5 career OAA at center field. However, Miami gave him time at second base recently to give potential suitors a look.

Chisholm Jr. is under team control through the 2026 campaign.

The Marlins’ Return

• C Agustin Ramirez (.269/.358/.505, 20 HR and 38 XBH over 87 G (AA and AAA)
• INF Jared Serna (.253/.341/.444, 13 HR and 39 XBH over 88 G (A+)
• SS Abraham Ramirez (.348/.447/.513, two HR and 19 XBH over 49 G (FCL))

Catching prospect Agustin Ramirez has been a fast riser in the Yankees system. Ramirez spent 2022 in the ACL but skyrocketed up to Double-A after a strong 2023. Across three levels last season, Ramirez posted a .819 OPS with 18 home runs (42 extra-base hits) over 114 games. This year, he’s knocked on the MLB door, as he cracked 20 home runs over his first 87 games.

Ramirez is a well-built catcher, at 6’0” and 210 pounds. He’s got a short, powerful swing with plenty of bat speed. The 22-year-old also doesn’t strike out much (17.1% K% in 2024). The one knock on Ramirez is he’s not regarded as a strong defender behind the plate.

With Austin Wells projected to be the Yankees’ long-term catcher, Ramirez was on the outside looking in for playing time at the MLB level. That changes with the Marlins.

Miami also received infielder Jared Serna in the trade, ranked 19th in the Yankees organization per MLB.com. Watching Serna in Hudson Valley (A+), he’s a toolsy, albeit unspectacular prospect. His best tool is above-average bat speed to go along with quick hands and solid pitch recognition. That’s allowed him to post a .785 OPS and swipe 11 bases (29 in 2023) this season.

He’s not outstanding in one particular area but good overall from a defensive and offensive standpoint.

Analysis

There was discussion that teams were reluctant to trade for Chisholm Jr. due to his demeanor and makeup. Chisholm Jr. has been a lightning rod in the past, due to past social media kerfuffles with ex-manager Don Mattingly and former teammate Miguel Rojas. However, the Yankees were not one such team, due to their reported strong locker room lead by Aaron Judge.

Chisholm Jr. immediately becomes not just a key piece now but also for the future. Given his experience at second in the outfield, he could be the heir apparent to Gleyber Torres after this season or see significant playing time in the outfield if Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto walk. And, his left-handed power bat is an attractive trait to have in The Bronx.

As for the Marlins, Miami’s rebuild continues. This season, the Marlins traded infielder Luis Arraez, reliever A.J. Puk, and now Chisholm Jr.

The Marlins receive a quantity, not quality-like return, as the Fish get three prospects, albeit none of the big names from the Yankees. Ramirez is a good piece, a power hitter who would likely rank at or near the Marlins’ top 10 prospects upon arrival. And, he’s the likeliest to be the everyday future catcher of the Marlins, ranking ahead of Joe Mack and Will Banfield.