Jazz Chisholm Jr., the dynamic infielder for the New York Yankees, has revealed a surprising secret to his recent success: playing at just 70 percent effort. “Just go at 70 percent,” Chisholm explained, detailing his new approach to the game. “Play at 70 percent: offense [and] defense. Don’t overswing, don’t swing and miss as much.” This unconventional strategy has paid off in a big way, as Chisholm has been a spark plug for the Yankees since returning from a strained oblique that sidelined him on the injured list.
In Friday’s 9-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, Chisholm showcased his revitalized form, delivering a multi-hit performance for the third time in four games since his return. He ignited the offense with a three-run homer in the first inning, followed by a single and a stolen base in the second, and another base hit with a swipe of second in the sixth. Though he was thrown out attempting to steal third later in the inning, he capped his night with a sharp liner to right in the eighth. Over his last four games, Chisholm is an impressive 8-for-16, with two home runs and three stolen bases, proving his newfound philosophy is working wonders.
Chisholm attributes his resurgence to a renewed focus that began during a three-game rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset. “I’m feeling like it’s minor league baseball again,” he said. “That short rehab stint in Double-A took me back to my days when I was hitting .300 and doing the things I’m starting to do now again.” His turnaround was further reinforced by assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler, who told Chisholm, “At 70 [percent], I’m one of the best out there. At 100 percent, I might be dog crap.” Chisholm pointed to his earlier struggles as evidence, noting that when he was giving full effort, he was batting a dismal .157 with a .653 OPS on April 20.
The Yankees are thrilled with Chisholm’s transformation, which actually began before his injury. In the eight games prior to his oblique strain, he went 6-for-22 with a double and a homer, though he still racked up 10 strikeouts in 31 plate appearances. Since returning, his approach has been refined, with hard-hit balls—mostly up the middle—and an OPS that has climbed to a robust .797, aligning with the expectations set when the Yankees acquired him from the Miami Marlins at last year’s trade deadline.
Teammate Aaron Judge has noticed the difference in Chisholm’s game. “When you step out there in Yankee Stadium, the adrenaline is gonna be flowing,” Judge said. “It’s really just about slowing everything down.” He specifically praised Chisholm’s first-inning homer, saying, “I was out there on second base. It looked like he took just a nice, easy swing on a tough curveball and hit it out to center field.”
Chisholm’s versatility has also been a boon for the Yankees, as his ability to play both second and third base has provided lineup flexibility, allowing DJ LeMahieu to settle in at second base. Chisholm has applied his 70 percent philosophy to his defense as well, maintaining a relaxed yet effective approach in the field.
Whatever Chisholm is doing, it’s working—and the Yankees are reaping the rewards. As he continues to play with controlled effort, the team hopes his electric performance will keep sparking their lineup and driving them toward success.