As the New York Yankees gear up for another season with their eyes firmly set on the World Series, Aaron Judge's prime is a key focus. But let's not overlook Jazz Chisholm Jr., the second baseman who's bringing both swagger and ambition to the Yankees' core. Chisholm is aiming high, declaring his intention to become just the second player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, following in the footsteps of the legendary Shohei Ohtani.
In a conversation with The Athletic, Chisholm made it clear that he's not settling for the 40-40 club. "You’re looking at the second one," he confidently stated, referring to his 50-50 goal.
It's a bold claim, considering this feat has been achieved only once before. But Chisholm isn't one to shy away from challenges.
He believes he has all the tools necessary to reach superstar status-speed, power, plate discipline, and defense-all contributing to his aspirations of a 10-WAR season.
Since joining the Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline, Chisholm has made a significant impact. Initially playing third base, he helped propel the team to the World Series. With Gleyber Torres' departure before the 2025 season, Chisholm returned to second base, where he showcased his prowess by hitting 31 home runs and stealing 31 bases.
While the 50-50 club might seem like a distant dream, Chisholm's expectations for the upcoming season remain sky-high. His power was a driving force behind the Yankees' offensive dominance last year, and with the same lineup returning, he's poised to be a crucial contributor once again.
Chisholm's confidence isn't limited to his personal goals; he also firmly believes in his team's potential. During spring training, he reiterated his view that the Yankees were the American League team to beat in 2025.
Despite not having many wins over the Toronto Blue Jays, his belief in the team never wavered. His bold 50-50 prediction is just another testament to his unwavering self-assurance and commitment to excellence.