Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been prominently floated in commerce hypothesis because the deadline approaches, and a few extra gasoline was added to that fireside with at present’s information that the Marlins will once more be deploying Chisholm as a second baseman on not less than a part-time foundation. Chisholm took some grounders at second previous to at present’s sport with the Reds, and supervisor Skip Schumaker advised reporters (together with MLB.com’s Jeff Wallner) that Chisholm was completely satisfied “to do no matter’s finest for the workforce.”
The choice is about “attempting to maintain his bat within the lineup on daily basis,” Schumaker stated. “Additionally attempting to maintain him taking part in on daily basis for 160-plus video games, which he’s by no means accomplished. So attempting to get him DH days. Possibly second base is a approach to get him off his toes slightly bit. As a result of I feel he might play that in his sleep.”
These are all legitimate baseball-related causes for the place change, as Chisholm is coming off a pair of injury-shortened seasons. Not solely has Chisholm not reached the 160-game plateau, his 124 video games in 2021 characterize the very best complete of his 4 Main League seasons. He performed in solely 157 of a attainable 324 video games in 2022-23, however has to date taken the sector in 91 of Miami’s 94 contests in 2024. Chisholm is not any stranger to the keystone after taking part in largely second base throughout his first three MLB seasons, however he has solely performed middle subject (with a couple of DH days) because the Marlins determined to maneuver him to outfield obligation previous to the 2023 season.
As logical as Schumaker’s rationalization is, shifting Chisholm to second base may be very simply considered as Miami’s manner of showcasing his versatility to potential commerce companions upfront of July 30. Chisholm’s middle subject work has been common at finest, relying on the defensive metric of alternative — Defensive Runs Saved (-14) and UZR/150 (-7) have each panned his glovework, whereas Chisholm has +4 Outs Above Common over his 1541 innings as a middle fielder. Over 1308 1/3 large league innings at second base, Chisholm has a +7 DRS and +8 OAA, although UZR/150 once more has him beneath common with a -2.6 quantity.
Whereas this resume as a second baseman doesn’t precisely mirror a degree of “he might play that in his sleep” defensive efficiency, it appears logical to imagine that Chisholm is a greater defensive possibility as an infielder than as an outfielder going ahead. The power to play middle subject on not less than a satisfactory foundation clearly provides to Chisholm’s commerce worth, however it may very well be that some potential suitors eyeing Chisholm as primarily a second baseman wished some proof that he might nonetheless deal with the place earlier than assembly what is probably going an enormous asking value in commerce talks.
Chisholm is barely within the first of three arbitration-eligible seasons, incomes $2.625MM in 2024 and below workforce management by way of 2026. Miami due to this fact isn’t below any crunch to maneuver Chisholm by the deadline, and an argument may very well be made that ready till not less than this offseason to make a transfer would possibly solely assist the Marlins’ probabilities at a premium return. If Chisholm stays wholesome, totally re-establishes himself as a second base candidate, and improves on his okay (103 wRC+, .251/.320/.410 in 388 PA) however not excellent offensive manufacturing, he’ll nonetheless be a primary commerce chip for the Marlins as they proceed their newest roster overhaul.
