Jazz Chisholm Jr. moves to center field with the Luis Arraez acquisition

The Bahamian phenom Jazz Chisholm Jr. excelled to an All-Star level this past year, but the soon-to-be 25-year old is looking for a rebound year this coming season after missing the second half of the season due to a stress fracture in his lower back.

New season brings new challenges for Miami Marlins All-Star Jazz Chisholm Jr.

With the acquisition of second baseman Luis Arraez, Marlins GM Kim Ng stated that Chisholm Jr. would be moving from the infield to play center field. This will be an interesting move for the Marlins and Chisholm Jr., because you have shortstop wide open, which is his natural position, but the Marlins are reportedly going to place a platoon at short with Jean Segura (signed this offseason) and Joey Wendle.

Chisholm’s athleticism is really shown on every single level. He can hit for contact, beat you with a drag bunt, sneaky power, and incredible range when it comes to fielding a ball. In the 2021 season, Chisholm played 124 games, slashing .248/.303/.425 with an OPS of .728, hitting 18 home runs, collecting 53 RBI, and stealing 23 bases. Last year, he played in just 60 games, hitting .253/.325/.535 and an OPS of .860, smashing 14 home runs, bringing in 45 RBI, and stealing 12 bases. If Chisholm wasn’t haunted by that stress fracture in his lower back, he would have high career numbers in each category from his All-Star season.

According to MLB.com, Ng and Chisholm have had discussions about the transition to the outfield and “Jazz is pretty intrigued and interested in this situation as well.” So the move to center field wouldn’t be a bad idea with the assets he provides. However, there is one asset that could be a huge difference from switching positions and that’s arm speed. Different distances and different arm speeds can have a huge effect when he moves to the outfield. As an infielder, you shuffle your feet and it’s a step-and-throw mechanism. But in the outfield, when you’re coming up to a line drive and receiving the ball, most outfielders proceed with a crow hop to throw out a runner at a certain base.

We’ve seen All-Star players transition from being an infielder to an outfielder, such as Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr.. With the athletic build and that swagger Chisholm carries, it’s very possible he can become an All-Star outfielder. Also, Chisholm has already spoken about the new position move via Craig Mish and said, “I will go out, play the position and win a Gold Glove.”

Chisholm already has the confidence and, with the short offseason left, followed by Spring Training, he will have that time to transition himself into an All-Star outfielder.