An early-spring double play against the Phillies Thursday spoke volumes about the Yankees’ revamped middle infield. As Anthony Volpe smoothly fielded a slow grounder and flipped to Jazz Chisholm Jr., pitcher Carlos Rodón was already walking toward the dugout—a display of confidence in the defensive duo that reflects the organization’s renewed focus on run prevention.
“They’re so athletic,” Rodón said after the game. “You saw Jazz at third base last year, but putting him back at second, where he’s comfortable, he’s a really solid defender. He just makes the unbelievable plays.”
The newly formed partnership between Volpe at shortstop and Chisholm at second base represents a key component of the Yankees’ defensive restructuring after general manager Brian Cashman bluntly labeled the team’s 2024 defense as “bad” despite their World Series appearance.
“I think we could be the best shortstop-second baseman in the league, definitely defensively,” Chisholm declared. “And I think we are probably going to turn the most double plays in the league, too. That would be my prediction for us.”
The statistical improvement needed to fulfill Chisholm’s prediction is substantial. The Yankees turned just 112 double plays last season, ranking 23rd in MLB—well behind the league-leading Rockies (164) and American League-leading Angels (152).
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Chisholm’s characteristic confidence while emphasizing the importance of backing up words with performance.
“It’s going to be a superlative anytime Jazz speaks,” Boone said. “But I do think they’re capable of really great things, both sides. So I like his confidence, but we’ve also got to go back it up.”
Decision to move Chisholm back to second
The decision to move Chisholm back to second base after he played 45 regular-season games and 14 postseason contests at third for the Yankees last year wasn’t automatic. Boone revealed he initially considered keeping Chisholm at third before determining that a middle-infield pairing with Volpe offered greater defensive potential.
“It was close for me,” Boone admitted. “Depending on how the offseason shook out, I was keeping it in play with him. I don’t want to get into moving him back and forth. His athleticism in the middle of the diamond, with Anthony there, gives us an opportunity to be incredibly strong up the middle.”
Chisholm returns to more familiar territory, having made 156 career starts at second base. The early chemistry between the duo has been evident, with constant communication becoming a hallmark of their partnership.
“He has a cannon,” Volpe said of his new double-play partner. “I think second base is really underrated; you need to have a really good arm to make those turns. His personality helps, too—just how much he wants to communicate, his imagination on plays before they happen. It’s all the tools, the all-around package.”
Dominguez’s learning continues
While the infield alignment shows early promise, the Yankees’ outfield remains a work in progress. Jasson Domínguezstruggled to track a hard-hit ball in left field during Thursday’s game, resulting in a run-scoring double by Philadelphia’s Edmundo Sosa.
Boone defended the young outfielder while acknowledging the learning curve. “It’s about as tough a play as you’re going to have,” Boone said. “That one is top-spin over your head, bullet, tough play. We’ll look at it. We’ve still got work to do, obviously.”
Carlos Rodón expressed confidence in Domínguez’s development potential: “Left field is not exactly the easiest position to play to be an elite outfielder. It takes work. I have the utmost confidence in that kid because he puts in the work.”
Early defensive progress
With Opening Day approximately one month away, the Yankees‘ emphasis on defensive improvement appears to be yielding early results—particularly in the middle infield where Chisholm and Volpe continue developing chemistry.
The success of this partnership could prove crucial for a team looking to return to the World Series after falling short in 2024. If the duo can approach Chisholm’s ambitious goal of leading the league in double plays, the Yankees’ pitching staff stands to benefit significantly.
“A ball on the ground around one of those two guys, it’s going to be gobbled up,” Rodón said—perhaps the highest praise a pitcher can offer his middle infielders as the Yankees’ championship pursuit enters a new phase focused on defensive excellence.
