TORONTO — Jazz Chisholm Jr. dropped a bombshell about the New York Yankees’ infield plans Tuesday night.
The versatile infielder revealed that New York originally promised him the everyday second base job. Instead, he’s stuck playing third base—a position he’d never touched before this season.
His admission came after another costly defensive miscue in the Yankees’ 12-5 defeat in Toronto. The loss highlighted ongoing problems with New York’s infield configuration.
“I only worked at second base,” Chisholm told The Athletic. “Yes, I know I’m better at second base, but at the end of the day, I still have to play third. I just have to deal with it.”
Statistical evidence supports Chisholm’s case
The numbers back up Chisholm’s frustration completely. His defensive performance varies dramatically between positions.
Chisholm has posted +3 Outs Above Average at second base this season across 251 innings. That ranks sixth among all qualified second basemen in baseball.
At third base, he’s managed just -2 OAA in 198 innings. He ranks 25th out of 36 third basemen with at least 190 innings played.
The Yankees emphasized defense during the offseason. Yet they’re voluntarily playing a below-average defender out of position. Meanwhile, 36-year-old DJ LeMahieu continues losing range at second base.
LeMahieu owns -1 OAA in 288 innings at second this season. He entered Tuesday with an 82 wRC+, well below the league average offensively.
Ground ball and bunt statistics reveal the stark difference between infield alignments. With Chisholm at second and Anthony Volpe at shortstop, opponents hit .191 on ground balls and bunts. When LeMahieu plays second and Chisholm moves to third, that average jumps to .310.
Fourth-inning error proves costly against Blue Jays
Tuesday’s defensive breakdown perfectly illustrated the problem. The Yankees led 2-1 with two outs in the fourth inning when Davis Schneider hit a slow chopper to third.
Chisholm charged the ball but hesitated on the hop. His rushed, off-balance throw pulled Paul Goldschmidt off first base. Schneider reached safely on what was ruled an infield single.
The error extended the inning fatally. Max Fried walked Myles Straw, then surrendered a three-run homer to Andres Gimenez.
Aaron Boone defended his third baseman afterward. The manager blamed Rogers Centre’s artificial turf for affecting Chisholm’s timing.
“I think he went at it, and I think it’s a little bit of just not always playing on turf,” Boone said. “It kind of messed with his rhythm of the throw, so the throw was inaccurate.”
Manager remains non-committal on position switch
Boone wouldn’t confirm whether an infield shuffle was coming. He left the door open for potential changes without making any promises.
“We’ll talk through that stuff,” he said. “I think both guys are really talented defenders wherever they line up. But we’ll continue to look at things like that.”
The Yankees’ hesitation to adjust seems increasingly problematic. They’ve lost 12 of their last 18 games while their AL East lead has nearly disappeared.
Chisholm said he’s handling the situation professionally despite his clear preference.
“Everybody knows I’m a second baseman,” he said. “Of course, I want to play second base, but whatever it takes to help the team win.”
The discomfort remains obvious. Asked about improvement potential at third base, Chisholm was honest about his limitations.
“If I get some time to work on it in the offseason, I feel like I could be a little bit better.”
He also admitted certain hitters make him uncomfortable at third base. Elite exit velocities create particular challenges for him at the position.
Yankees repeat same mistake from 2023
This scenario feels familiar for Chisholm and the Yankees. He made the identical position switch last season after arriving from Miami in a trade deadline deal.
New York had originally planned to move Gleyber Torres off second base. When Torres resisted the change, Chisholm volunteered to switch positions. That selfless gesture now appears to be a long-term problem.
LeMahieu’s declining range and offensive production haven’t compensated for the defensive downgrade. The Yankees are fielding a right-side infield that’s below average both defensively and offensively.
Boone’s response when asked if the current setup was ideal: “We’ll continue to look at things like that.”
Contract considerations complicate decision
Financial factors may influence the Yankees’ reluctance to change. LeMahieu is owed $15 million this season and the same amount in 2026.
But structuring the infield around a declining veteran may be counterproductive. Even if LeMahieu’s contract prevents a benching, moving him to third base could improve overall team defense.
Shifting LeMahieu would allow Chisholm to return to his natural position. The statistical evidence overwhelmingly supports this configuration.
Yankees face critical decision on infield future
New York’s postseason hopes may depend on internal adjustments rather than external acquisitions. The solution to their defensive problems already exists on the roster.
Boone’s comments suggest change remains possible. Chisholm’s statements indicate his willingness to cooperate. The defensive metrics strongly support a position switch.
The only remaining question is whether the Yankees will act on the obvious solution. Their season may depend on making the right choice.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
