NEW YORK — Aaron Boone did not hold back when talking about his connection with Jazz Chisholm Jr. The Yankees manager opened up about their bond just hours before New York’s playoff hopes came down to a decisive wild-card game against the Boston Red Sox.
The timing stood out. One night earlier, Chisholm had looked frustrated after being kept out of the Game 1 lineup. He answered only briefly in his postgame session and spent most of it with his back to reporters. Boone, however, sent a clear message.
“I love it,” Boone said before Game 3 at Yankee Stadium. “I love Jazz. I really do.”
The statement came with balance. Boone admitted the relationship has needed careful management. But he made clear that Chisholm’s dynamic personality has been worth the challenges.
The spark for controversy came in Game 1 when Boone left his All-Star on the bench against left-hander Garrett Crochet. Boone explained it as a tactical decision. He wanted extra right-handed bats to counter the Boston ace.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Chisholm did not hide his disappointment. His reaction after the game told the story without words.
Boone had expected that response. He said he met with Chisholm on Monday to explain the possibility. His goal was not to make the player happy but to make sure he would be ready.
“I did not need him to be happy,” Boone said before Game 2. “I just needed him to go play his tail off.”
Aaron Boone on Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s play in Game 2, including scoring the winning run pic.twitter.com/1Rbo7LTsMS
Chisholm answered that call. In Wednesday’s Game 2, he used his speed to score the decisive run and made multiple standout defensive plays at second base. The Yankees evened the series and went on to win 4-0 in Game 3 to advance.
A relationship built on honesty
Boone said the key to their partnership is open talk and respect. He believes he can speak freely with the 27-year-old without fear of damaging trust.
“It doesn’t mean we haven’t had some heart-to-hearts and some fun conversations from time to time,” Boone said. “But he’s great. He’s obviously a great player.”
The manager explained that their bond allows for conflict. Earlier this year, Chisholm’s move to third base created debate between them. Those talks did not weaken the relationship.
“I cherish my relationships with a lot of guys in there,” Boone said. “Jazz is one of those that I can be unfiltered with him in how I challenge him and things. I think there’s a lot of mutual love there between he and I, and that allows us to endure tough moments that pop up.”
Chisholm echoed that sentiment after helping save the season.
“There was never a problem between me and Aaron Boone,” Chisholm said. “He’s been my manager all year, and I’ve stood behind him all year. We always have disagreements. I mean, I played third base this year, and we had a little bit of a disagreement on that.”
Understanding the competitor’s mindset
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Chisholm’s intensity defines his game. He plays with visible passion and emotion. Those traits have caused friction in the past, but in New York they have been embraced.
“But at the end of the day, I always stand with Booney because he always understands where I come from,” Chisholm said. “He knows I am a passionate player. He knows I wear my feelings on my sleeve. He knows I am there to compete.”
The Yankees did their homework before making the July deadline trade with Miami. Chisholm’s personality had clashed with some veterans in the Marlins clubhouse. Some of those issues became public.
Boone sought insight before the move. One call went to Don Mattingly, the former Yankees star who once managed Chisholm in Miami.
“Mattingly said good things about him to me,” Boone said.
Chisholm — the complete package
Boone’s view of Chisholm goes far beyond his athletic gifts. He sees someone with depth, intelligence, and engagement, even if his energy sometimes creates risk.
“I’ve loved him,” Boone said. “He’s an interesting cat. But he’s really thoughtful and engaging and smart.”
That “lot” includes mistakes. Chisholm can chase pitches wildly. He can throw erratically when holding the ball would be wiser. He has made baserunning errors.
But the upside is immense. In 2025, Chisholm delivered a 30-30 season, joining just two other players in Yankees history with that combination of power and speed. He earned an All-Star nod in the American League.
When the stage gets biggest
For Boone, Chisholm’s value shines brightest when games mean the most. Wednesday’s elimination game proved it again.
“He loves to play,” Boone said. “He feels a responsibility to us, his teammates. And he and I have always been good. He’s a gamer, and he likes the stage.”
That stage-ready attitude was vital. In a must-win game, Chisholm’s speed and glove gave the Yankees the edge. His run and defensive highlights secured the win and set up Thursday’s clincher.
The one-game benching stirred headlines but quickly faded. The manager-player relationship held firm. Boone’s faith was rewarded when Chisholm answered in the spotlight.
The Yankees now move forward. The Boone-Chisholm partnership, tested but strong, may prove just as valuable as any box score result.
