Yankees infielder Chisholm victimized by unforgiving plate luck

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Yankees’ infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. is battling a slump at the plate, more because of poor luck than skills.

The 2025 campaign finds the New York Yankees once again in familiar territory—battling for American League supremacy with MVP candidate Aaron Judge leading the charge. Yet beneath the headlines of their offensive prowess lies an intriguing subplot: Jazz Chisholm Jr., their offseason acquisition, appears primed for an explosive breakthrough despite deceptively modest traditional statistics.

While Judge continues his remarkable production, the infielder’s underlying metrics tell the story of a player whose contributions could soon match his considerable talent. The numbers suggest that baseball’s most unpredictable factor—luck—has been Chisholm’s primary opponent through the season’s first month.

Judge anchors Yankees while Chisholm builds momentum

Aaron Judge remains the centerpiece of New York’s offensive attack, amassing 26 RBIs, seven home runs, and a staggering .415 batting average by late April. His continued excellence, even without Juan Soto’s presence in the lineup, has maintained the Yankees’ offensive potency during the season’s opening weeks.

Yet the Yankees’ run-scoring capabilities haven’t been solely dependent on Judge’s contributions. Despite four everyday players—Austin Wells, Cody Bellinger, Anthony Volpe, and Chisholm—hitting below the Mendoza Line, New York ranks among baseball’s elite offensive units. This statistical anomaly reveals how impactful these players have been during their limited successful at-bats.

Chisholm’s curious case of bad luck

A quick glance at Chisholm’s .165/.280/.418 slash line might suggest disappointment. However, examining his complete offensive profile uncovers a player delivering significant value despite statistical headwinds. His seven home runs match Judge’s total, while his 15 RBIs rank second on the team. Add six stolen bases, and his multi-dimensional impact becomes evident.

The primary culprit behind Chisholm’s batting average struggles is an abnormally low .154 BABIP (batting average on balls in play). With the league average hovering around .292, this extreme deviation indicates the infielder has encountered exceptional misfortune on batted balls that typically produce hits. Statistical normalization in this area alone would transform his overall production.

Further supporting this analysis, Chisholm’s xwOBA (expected weighted on-base average)—a metric accounting for contact quality, strikeouts, and walks—stands at .347, substantially higher than his actual results would suggest. This discrepancy reinforces the temporary nature of his statistical struggles.

Developing discipline and power potential

Several indicators point toward Chisholm’s imminent breakout. His plate discipline shows marked improvement, evidenced by an 11.2% walk rate that exceeds his previous career-best 8.7% established during his All-Star campaign with Miami in 2022.

His batted ball profile reveals a hitter optimizing for power production. A career-high 39.0% fly ball rate surpasses his previous best of 34.7% from 2022, while his ground ball percentage has decreased to a career-low 32.2%. These adjustments typically precede increased offensive output.

Perhaps most telling is Chisholm’s home run rate of 6.5%—more than doubling the 3.1% league average. Collectively, these metrics portray a player whose process and approach have advanced beyond what traditional statistics currently reflect.

Yankees’ long-term vision for Chisholm

When acquiring Chisholm, Yankees management anticipated both his electrifying potential and adjustment period. They targeted a dynamic talent with All-Star credentials whose combination of speed, power, and defensive versatility addresses multiple team needs. His athleticism and flair add dimensions to the Yankees’ attack that complement their established sluggers.

Manager Aaron Boone has maintained unwavering confidence in Chisholm through early struggles. The coaching staff recognizes his quality contact and improving approach as harbingers of imminent production that will eventually match his considerable talents.

Chisholm’s mental resilience has proven equally valuable. Known for his confident personality and competitive drive, he has maintained his approach through the early statistical drought. His disciplined plate appearances and increasing power output demonstrate the foundation being built for sustained success.

A contrast: Captain consistency vs. infielder’s potential

Judge and Chisholm represent complementary offensive approaches. Judge embodies metronomic excellence, while he delivers a tantalizing blend of tools waiting to coalesce consistently.

The batting average differential masks how the infielder has matched Judge’s home run production while ranking second in run production. As his batted ball luck normalizes, his complete statistical profile should better reflect his actual performance level.

Chisholm’s emerging role in Yankees’ championship pursuit

As May approaches, the Yankees view Chisholm as central to their championship aspirations. Statistical indicators suggest his performance curve points decidedly upward. Once his BABIP regresses toward normal levels and aligns with his advanced metrics, the infielder could emerge as one of the lineup’s most valuable contributors.

His unique combination of developing plate discipline, established power, and elite athleticism positions Chisholm as a potential difference-maker as the season progresses. The statistical evidence indicates his breakout isn’t merely possible—it’s probable.

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