With the performance of Yankees‘ infielder Gleyber Torres, it only makes sense that General Manager Brian Cashman is active at the trade deadline in hopes of finding an upgrade. Torres is in the midst of a career-worst season and is currently dealing with a groin injury. He’s expected to return to the lineup this week. Torres is only hitting .223/.297/.344, including eight homers and 33 RBIs, with an 85 wRC+.
Defensive Struggles Highlight the Need for Change
Torres is well below average this season and has been equally as inefficient defensively. He hosts a career-worst .966 fielding percentage with 11 errors, -4 defensive runs saved, and zero outs above average. In other words, the Yankees could offload Torres for bullpen scraps and look to find an upgrade on the trade market, and according to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Miami Marlins are open to trading Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. as a Potential Yankees Trade Target
Chisholm is having a decent season but has failed to reach his potential over the past few years. Over 87 games, he’s hitting .255/.326/.407, including 10 homers, 40 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases. He hosts a 105 wRC+, but Chisholm wants to play second base and could take over for Torres, especially since he has two more years left of control until he’s a free agent in 2027. The 26-year-old lefty is in the 98th percentile in base-running value and 82nd percentile in sprint speed.
Speed and Power: Chisholm’s Key Attributes
The Yankees haven’t stolen a base in 20 games, and Chisholm would offer them a solution in that regard. However, his 36.8% hard-hit rate is certainly underwhelming, but he has a 10.9% barrel percentage, which is solid. Playing for a lowly Miami team certainly doesn’t provide much confidence and motivation, but Chisholm is entering a season with the Yankees that includes World Series aspirations, which may boost his confidence.
Defensive Comparisons and Trade Considerations
Defensively, Chisholm features a .970 fielding percentage across 1308.1 innings at second base, including 18 errors. He’s a decent player at the position and would offer similar, if not better, defensive value than Torres.
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To acquire Chisholm, the Yankees would likely have to give one of their top pitching prospects and a few more pieces. It is important to note that Jazz isn’t currently an elite player but has a solid average with underrated power and tremendous base running. If the Yankees can maximize his talent and let his character do the talking, he could be an asset for a team that needs a bit of life and energy.