One of the best young players in baseball may be on the move soon.
According to Miami Herald reporter Craig Misch, there is “increasing confidence” that the Marlins will trade outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.
“Chisholm is having his healthiest season to date, playing at the top of the lineup and teams are taking notice.” Misch wrote:“Believe it or not, this is the first time we’ve had any serious interest in Chisholm. Injuries and his personality have left other clubs wondering what they might get in return.”
This year, the 26-year-old is hitting a career-best .326 on-base percentage and batting just 10.9 percent of his time, good for the 77th percentile among MLB hitters.
Chisholm is also a strong baserunner, ranking in the 98th percentile in baserunning value and 82nd percentile in sprint speed, and he has stolen 51 of 67 bases from 2022-2024.
At the same time, Chisholm’s hard-hit rate, chase rate, strikeout rate and average exit velocity metrics are all below average.
The Bahamas star looks to be in a good health position in 2024 after two consecutive injury-plagued seasons.
Chisholm made his lone All-Star appearance in 2022, but played just 60 games because of a stress fracture in his lower back, and he was plagued in 2023 by shoulder, toe, oblique, hamstring and knee issues.
But Chisholm has played in 87 of Miami’s 90 games this season and posted a 1.4 points above replacement rating, arguably the best mark on the team.
Despite Chisholm’s strong season, the Marlins are completely out of form in 2024, finishing with a 32-58 record and already with a 0.0% chance of making the playoffs, according to Fangraphs.
As a result, there is widespread speculation that the team will try to sell as many assets as they can before the trade deadline on July 30.
Relief pitcher Tanner Scott and first baseman Josh Bell would likely be solid additions for any championship-contending team, but Chisholm, who is under contract for 2 1/2 years and won’t become a free agent until 2027, would be the most notable addition given his age and versatility, having played second base and center field.
As for where Chisholm might go, Misch cited the Mariners, Royals and Dodgers as possible teams.
