Jazz Chisholm's wild Derek Jeter story shows how much Yankees mean to him

The New York Yankees took a chance on electricity this weekend when they traded a three-prospect package to Miami for center fielder/second baseman Jazz Chisholm.

Chisholm, roughly a league-average hitter over the course of his career with excessive sizzle, could have untapped potential. If so, his hustle-based game might be unlocked by the Yankee Stadium spotlight. At the very least, "average hitter" would appear to be an upgrade on half the current lineup, and with Gleyber Torres' contract set to expire at the end of the season, Chisholm is a natural fit next year (and a semi-awkward one right now).

While it doesn't always matter in the grand scheme of things, and Xs and Os typically matter more than impassioned statements, it's still worth touching on Chisholm's relationship to Derek Jeter and dedication to making him proud. That might hint at a very helpful "extra gear" in his arsenal moving forward.

According to Chisholm, Jeter went out of his way to show faith in him and claimed he was the driving force behind his acquisition in Miami (in exchange for Zac Gallen). In return, Chisholm -- rocked by the death of his idol, Kobe Bryant -- tearfully called Jeter and stated that he needed a new idol, and intended to fill that void by following the ex-Yankees captain's path.

Newest Yankees import Jazz Chisholm has heartwarming connection to Derek Jeter

Now, Chisholm will have a chance to make the man who "treated him like a son" in Miami very proud; he's under club control with the Yankees through 2026. While it's unlikely he'll literally follow in Jeter's footsteps and play shortstop, he's still an igniter, and has the chance to be a similar rally starter ahead of the team's big boppers down the stretch.

So far, so good; Chisholm debuted at Fenway Park by singling in the ninth, advancing to second base, then scampering to an uncovered third after a lengthy injury delay (his jaw mashed into a Red Sox defender). He then came around to score on a DJ LeMahieu sacrifice fly, creating an insurance run out of nothing. When's the last time we saw that?

Postgame, Chisholm was grinning ear-to-ear, reiterating his Jeter connection for the gathered media.

The good vibes continued into Monday's game in Philadelphia, when Chisholm rocked a pair of homers in the second and ninth, and converted a number of slick plays at third base in his first ever professional appearance at the position.

While No. 2 was unavailable for good reason, No. 13 seemed to fit Chisholm just fine, who embraced the pressure and looming questions expertly in his opening salvo.

It seemed, at least to start, like Jeter had prepared him well for the pressure cooker.