NEW YORK – When Jazz Chisholm Jr. wasn’t included in the starting lineup for Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, the Yankees second baseman received a text message from manager Aaron Boone, reading in part, “You might be the most important person in the building tonight.”
Chisholm received no similar message on Wednesday, saying he learned of his benching only by looking at the lineup card, where Anthony Volpe had replaced him at second base. Clearly displeased, Chisholm bristled after the Yankees’ 4-3 loss to the Rays, which may have represented his final game in pinstripes.
“I’d always prefer a conversation, so I would at least know what I’m walking into,” Chisholm said.
Boone’s stated intent for Volpe to “spark” the lineup paid off in some respects; he went 2-for-4 with a run scored, nearly connecting for a game-tying two-run homer in the sixth inning that was ruled a double after spectator interference was called.
But it marked a notable breakdown in communication with Chisholm, arguably the most high-profile of the Yankees’ potential free agents, a group that includes closer David Bednar, outfielder Trent Grisham and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (who said he hopes to continue playing in 2027). Even so, Chisholm said his preference would be to return to the Bronx.
“This is where I want to be,” he said. “I love it as a Yankee. I grew up as a Yankee fan, being from the Bahamas, watching Derek Jeter and those guys every day. It was a great time being a Yankee. I loved my time as a Yankee.
“I had great years with the Yankees; I had an All-Star year, had a Silver Slugger year. Who doesn’t want to stay with a team that you’ve had such great times with and great years with? To see it maybe end here sucks, but it’s part of the business.”
Elevated to the leadoff spot in Game 3, Grisham went 0-for-5, striking out against closer Bryan Baker to end the season.
“The only thing I can say on it is, I love the people here,” Grisham said. “I’ve loved playing here. It’s a joy to show up every day and pull on the same side of the rope and really go after winning every day. I have loved my time here.”
The 28-year-old Chisholm finished the ALDS hitless in eight at-bats, with a walk and two stolen bases. He was booed after fouling out as a seventh-inning pinch-hitter on Wednesday.
“It doesn’t hurt, it’s just confusing because it’s the playoffs and we’re trying to win games,” Chisholm said. “So you’re booing a guy that’s playing currently, trying to help the team win, and you’re hearing boos instead of trying to hype guys up. But at the end of the day, it didn’t hurt me because I’ve seen Aaron Judge get booed here too.”
It was a difficult season for Chisholm, who came into the year aspiring for 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases as he potentially moves toward free agency. Chisholm didn’t get close to most of his goals, slashing .231/.312/.399 with 19 homers, 55 RBIs and 41 steals in 137 games.
Chisholm also committed one of the Yankees’ four errors in ALDS Game 2 at Tropicana Field, a throw wide of first base that he said he’d attempt again if given the chance.
“You see on my face, you see on everybody else’s face, that we’re not happy,” Chisholm said. “Nobody wants to go home.”