Yankees-Jazz Chisholm trade could mark end for Gleyber Torres or Alex Verdugo

The first trade deadline domino fell for the New York Yankees on Saturday afternoon when Brian Cashman called up a frequent trade partner in the Miami Marlins and brought Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Bronx. Shockwaves, for sure.

But those who have been dialed into this trade deadline period are aware that Chisholm — though very talented — is more flash than results. The 2022 All-Star has a career .246 average, .749 OPS and 102 OPS+. His peripheral metrics aren't exactly pretty, either.

What Chisholm does bring, however, is superior athleticism. He can play second base and center field at an above-average level and has swiped 81 bases in 403 career games. He's also a lefty bat that offers a lot of pull pop. He has a great arm and is a tremendous baserunner (though he could cut back on the caught stealings).

Some speculated this move was coming, but many didn't believe it. The Yankees already packed their clubhouse with larger than life personalities. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto lead the way with Alex Verdugo and Marcus Stroman in the next tier. Chisholm has been viewed as a controversial figure in the sport, especially after his "beef" with former teammate and current Dodgers veteran Miguel Rojas arose this past offseason.

Then again, the Marlins have been a bit chaotic ever since Chisholm arrived, so he's due a fair shot in the Bronx. After all, the biggest spotlight of all will eventually expose the truth. He has a chance to rewrite the narrative in a massive manner.

Yankees-Jazz Chisholm trade could mark end for Gleyber Torres or Alex Verdugo

Chisholm arriving could mean the end of the road for either Gleyber Torres or Alex Verdugo ... or, hear us out, both! Torres has found his stroke recently, but that doesn't overshadow his largely awful play since the start of 2020. As for Verdugo, he hasn't been here long enough to cement his roster spot. He's been one of the worst qualified hitters in the game for over two months.

Why these two? Because Chisholm is better than Torres as a second baseman and better than Verdugo as an outfielder. If the Yankees prefer to move him back to second base, there's simply no place left for Gleyber. He will be gone, without question.

If they keep him in the outfield, that gives them the potential capability to put Judge back in right field, shift Soto over to left field, and rotate in Jasson Dominguez/Trent Grisham when they want to DH Judge. That would more than likely mean bye-bye to Verdugo, who, at this point, is less valuable than Grisham, who offers better defense and more power.

But what if they plan to use Chisholm at second and in center? That could help them clear two roster spots (and a good amount of salary) with Torres and Verdugo, as Dominguez and Giancarlo Stanton are nearing their returns. Like we said, an outfield of Judge, Soto, Dominguez, Chisholm/Grisham would be more than sufficient. Chisholm can shift to the outfield more frequently if there's an injury (there will be) and take most of his reps at second base to further fortify the infield.

Then there's the case of Jahmai Jones and JD Davis, both of whom should be gone either before or shortly after the deadline. It all depends on the progress of Jon Berti and/or if the Yankees feel the need to go after someone like Ryan McMahon of the Rockies more aggressively (though he's unlikely to be dealt; just trying to paint a picture).

Then, with either Berti returning or a potential upgrade at third base, DJ LeMahieu would be relegated to the bench as a utility/emergency option when somebody needs a rest or if injuries once again cloud the picture.

Whatever the configuration, Torres and Verdugo are in contract years, which makes them the most vulnerable. And they've been among the most notable culprits for the Yankees' failures over the last two months. If the acquisition of Chisholm has larger roster implications, then the move will have been worth it. If the status quo remains with another large personality/overrated hitter in the mix, the Yankees might as well phone it in.

Thankfully, there are 72 more hours to figure that out.