Chisholm’s third base shift signals Yankees’ changed trade priorities

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NEW YORK — When Jazz Chisholm Jr. returns to the New York Yankees lineup next week, it won’t be in the center field role he’s grown into over the past year. Instead, Chisholm will be stationed at third base — a surprising decision that speaks volumes about the Yankees’ evolving trade deadline strategy and long-term vision.

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Chisholm is being prepped to start at third upon activation from the injured list. The move is practical, given the infield’s recent instability, but it also reflects a deeper shift in how general manager Brian Cashman is positioning the club for the July trade deadline.

Chisholm embraces another position change

Chisholm’s willingness to shift roles, again, shouldn’t be overlooked. Already known for his unselfishness and versatility, he once embraced center field when needed by the Miami Marlins during a playoff push. Despite never playing outfield prior to 2023, Chisholm dove into the role and continued refining it deep into October.

Now, he’s stepping into yet another unfamiliar position with the Yankees — one widely considered one of the toughest in the infield — at a time when his team needs him most.

“Jazz has always been team-first,” Boone said. “He’s one of the few guys who says, ‘Wherever you need me, I’ll go.’ That’s not common.”

The selflessness Chisholm continues to display is the quiet heartbeat behind a bigger roster move — and one that may allow the Yankees more flexibility in the trade market.

Why third base? Why now?

With DJ LeMahieu now locked in at second base and Oswaldo Cabrera sidelined, the Yankees had few in-house options at third. But this move isn’t just about filling a lineup gap.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, part of the reasoning behind Chisholm’s shift is the composition of the upcoming trade market. There are more potentially available second basemen than third basemen. By putting Chisholm at third, the Yankees free themselves to explore second base upgrades — if LeMahieu continues to struggle at the plate — without needing to force an expensive deal for a hot corner bat.

As Rosenthal noted, “Teams generally use their most athletic defenders in the middle of the diamond.” Placing the dynamic, fleet-footed Chisholm at third breaks with that convention, but there’s strategy behind it. LeMahieu, who is less mobile and still shaking off rust from injury, is more comfortable at second. The Yankees owe him $30 million over this season and next — and they need to find out if there’s still something left in the tank.

So far, the results have been mixed. LeMahieu is batting just .184 with a .507 OPS since returning in May. But the Yankees are betting on familiarity and comfort sparking a turnaround.

A trade strategy rooted in Yankees’ flexibility

If LeMahieu doesn’t find his swing, the Yankees can pivot. By placing Chisholm at third, they preserve the option to pursue a stronger second base bat — potentially someone like Tommy Edman, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, Ketel Marte, or Andres Gimenez — depending on market dynamics.

And crucially, they avoid overpaying for a thin pool of third basemen, which includes inconsistent veterans like Nolan Arenado, Yoan Moncada, and Jeimer Candelario, or expensive, less-likely targets like Ryan McMahon.

This roster flexibility is key, especially with pressing needs elsewhere — namely, the starting rotation.

Carlos Rodon’s volatility, combined with injuries to Gerrit Cole, Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil, have forced the Yankees into triage mode. The front office is expected to pursue a starter and potentially a late-inning reliever. That means preserving trade capital — something Chisholm’s move helps accomplish.

Chisholm’s rehab lights a fire

Chisholm has also been doing his part to prove ready. During a rehab stint with the Double-A Somerset Patriots on Thursday, he reached base in three of four plate appearances. He cracked a double, drew a walk, scored twice, and looked explosive.

To Yankees fans, it wasn’t just production — it was a jolt of energy.

“He looked like a guy who hasn’t missed a beat,” one wrote. “If anything, he’s more focused.”

With a return possible as soon as Tuesday, Chisholm’s versatility — and his left-handed bat — could prove pivotal. In a righty-heavy Yankees lineup, his presence adds balance and unpredictability.

He’s not a savior. But he’s the spark the Yankees could use as the schedule intensifies.

Boone, Cashman playing a long game

This isn’t just about June or even July. The Yankees are also testing longer-term waters.

With top prospect George Lombard Jr. pushing toward Triple-A, and LeMahieu’s deal ending after 2026, the infield composition remains fluid. If Chisholm can handle third, he could anchor it into 2026 — or shift again based on team needs.

It’s the kind of adaptability that once made LeMahieu so valuable. Now, Chisholm’s younger legs and multidimensional skill set could fill that void.

“Every championship run needs guys who do a little bit of everything,” Boone said. “Jazz can hit, run, defend, and bring swagger. He brings all of that.”

A move with ripples planned

Assuming he completes his weekend rehab games without setbacks, Chisholm could be starting at third base in the Bronx in a matter of days. What follows may shape the Yankees’ trade deadline posture.

If Chisholm excels, the Yankees could delay or bypass the pursuit of a third baseman. If LeMahieu struggles, they can shift their focus to second. All the while, pitching will remain a priority — and now, the front office might have the flexibility to pursue it without sacrificing too much positionally.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s shift to third base isn’t just about replacing Oswaldo Cabrera or keeping DJ LeMahieu comfortable. It’s a calculated, forward-looking maneuver designed to give the Yankees maximum flexibility during a season where every edge matters.

From selfless player to strategic domino, Chisholm may end up being the most important midseason move the Yankees didn’t have to trade for.

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