Yankees try to seize AL East race with Jazz Chisholm trade

After a whirlwind of a Friday in which the Orioles made two deals to improve their pitching staff, the Yankees have clapped back, adding a star of their own.

Jazz Chisholm Jr of the Marlins is heading to New York as the Yankees look to solidify their chances in the race for the AL East title.

In exchange for Chisholm, the Yankees shipped C Agustin Ramirez, IF Abrahan Ramirez, and IF Jared Serna to Miami. MLB Pipeline had Agustin as the Yanks' 20th best prospect but other outlets liked him a bit more, with Baseball America slotting him inside New York's top-5. Serna and Abrahan both appear in the Yankees' top-30 list for a variety of outlets, giving Miami a solid return for Chisholm.

Unfortunately for the Orioles, Chisholm will add a bit of depth to a struggling Yankees lineup. The one-time All-Star has failed to stay on the field over the past four years, maxing out at 124 games back in 2021, but has been good when available.

A uniquely talented player, Chisholm has the potential to be electric when he's healthy. He combines decent power with tons of speed on the basepaths and plays a strong second base. The Marlins have shifted him around the diamond though, including using him primarily as an outfielder over the past two seasons.

Jazz Chisholm gives Yankees a better chance to run Orioles out of division

As it stands though, Chisholm is better on the dirt than he is in the outfield. The Yankees have a bit of a conundrum with Gleyber Torres faltering at second base - there have been some rumors about moving one of Chisholm or Torres to third but this move does have the ability to markedly improve the Yankees' defense.

If Chisholm can find a way to stay healthy, this could be a big move for New York. His left handed power should play well in Yankee Stadium and he'll add depth to a lineup that's been dismal outside of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.

As for the Orioles, they might need to find a way to match the Yankees' energy. Despite having already added Zach Eflin, Seranthony Dominguez, and Christian Pache, there are a variety of ways Mike Elias could continue to improve the roster.

Many Orioles fans want to see the team add a top of the line starter, someone in the mold of Tarik Skubal. But smaller moves, like upgrading their bench spots in Jorge Mateo and Ramon Urias would give the offense a much needed boost down the stretch.

With a number of prospects champing at the bit down in Triple-A Norfolk, Elias has some leeway to get another deal or two done before Tuesday's deadline.