This player is really provocative. Following the 50-50 challenge, another remark has become a hot topic. He said he prefers the Los Angeles Angels, which have been called the worst team compared with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team all players admire. New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (28) is the subject.
Chisholm Jr. revealed his thoughts on his free-agent status in an interview with NJ.com on the 22nd (Korean time). Known for his outspoken, distinctive personality that shows his true feelings without hiding them, Chisholm Jr. was asked whether he would be willing to sign with the Dodgers if he became a free agent.
A surprising answer came to the provocative question. "I would rather go to the Angels than the Dodgers. I want to win on my own. I'd rather build a house roof with the Angels than go to the Dodgers," was Chisholm Jr.'s candid response.
The Dodgers, who became the first team of the 21st century to win back-to-back World Series, are overflowing with superstars. This offseason the biggest free agents Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz also joined the Dodgers. Financial compensation is good, and the team always competes for championships and provides the best environment for players.
But Chisholm Jr. has the ambition to topple the best teams by his own power rather than ride along with the Dodgers, who already meet the conditions for winning. Of course the Dodgers do not necessarily need Chisholm Jr. Tommy Edman is the starting second baseman, and there are many players backing up the position, including Kim Hye-seong and Alex Freeland.
Chisholm Jr., who said he does not want to join the Dodgers, also revealed specific desired free-agent contract terms. He said, "Last year I said I would ask for $300 million, but now it will be more than that. Probably around $35 million per year," and added bluntly, "I'm 28. I want an 8- to 10-year contract," showing his determination to land a huge free-agent deal.
To get the salary he wants, he must give everything this season. He has set an enormous goal. He declared he will challenge the 50-home run, 50-stolen base club, which only Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) achieved in 2024. After achieving his first 30-30 season last year with 31 home runs and 31 steals, he aims to go beyond 40-40 and reach 50-50 in one leap.
Chisholm Jr. said, "I never say something I think I cannot do. I will always speak positively. I will never tell myself or anyone else, 'It'll be enough if I hit 10 home runs and a .250 average this year.' Who says things like that? They are losers. I will aim for the stars, and even if I miss, I will still reach the moon," explaining why he sets such big goals.
Even though it is a free-agent season, he does not feel pressure. "I think it will bring out the best in me. I actually like that it's a free-agent season. I like pressure. I like the feeling that I have to run for something and get it done. I play for my family and friends, for the team and for myself. If I don't enjoy the whole process, it would be really boring. If I enjoy it, it will be one of the best experiences of my life," he said.
Born on the small Caribbean island nation of the Bahamas, left-handed-throwing, right-handed-batting infielder Chisholm Jr. signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an international amateur free agent in 2015 and was traded to the Miami Marlins in July 2019 for pitcher Zac Gallen. Chisholm Jr. realized his major league debut dream in 2020 and was selected as an All-Star in 2022, the first player from the Bahamas to do so. Traded to the Yankees in late July 2024, he has a six-season career total of 579 games with a .248 batting average (2,109 at-bats, 522 hits), 108 home runs, 308 RBIs, 130 stolen bases and a .770 OPS.
He had a career-high season last year. In 130 games he hit .242 (462 at-bats, 112 hits) with 31 home runs, 80 RBIs, 31 stolen bases and an .813 OPS. Despite missing all of May with an oblique injury, he achieved 30-30. He was selected as an All-Star for the second time and raised his value by winning the Silver Slugger award for the first time.
[OSEN]