Jazz Chisholm Jr Pulls Off a UNO Reverse on Rafael Devers While Sharing Stance on Yankees Loyalty

With shifting lineups, analytical matchups, and injury insurance all part of the modern baseball blueprint, players are increasingly asked to step out of their comfort zones for the good of the team. Enter Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Rafael Devers, two dynamic stars, both brimming with talent and charisma. On the surface, they share a common thread: expectations to add flexibility to their defensive roles. But hey, that’s where the similarities end.

Chisholm has embraced the third base challenge like a natural showman. He is sliding into the hot corner with swagger and a smile, turning a potential disruption into a personal showcase. Devers, on the other hand, stood his ground, bristling at the idea of moving off DH, even temporarily. That’s the baseball version of a UNO reverse card, isn’t it? Two players are on opposite ends of the positional adaptability spectrum.

“Boone gave me the choice, but he told me he really wanted me at third base. I’m a team guy. I’m here to win a ring, and I’m not here to fight over positions,” Chisholm said when asked about Boone’s intention to move him to the third.

“We’ve got some of the best players in the world on our team. I always wanted to play third. That’s why I liked playing third last year. I grew up as an A-Rod fan, wore 13, 3 all the time as a kid. I always thought it was a fun position to try and play,” he further added.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. says he was given the choice to play third or second base, but Aaron Boone strongly indicated he'd like him to play third

"I'm a team guy. I'm here to win a ring. I'm not here to fight over positions. We've got some of the best players in the world on our team" pic.twitter.com/VIakYtWqTn

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 30, 2025

Well, now you know how the Yankees are performing so well this year, aiming at their collective objective for the ring! In contrast to Chisholm though, Devers is built differently. While Chisholm wants to play at third, Devers has nothing such for 1B.

With Triston Casas sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury, the Red Sox have been left with a void at first base. The team reportedly considered shifting Devers to the position. But the three-time All-Star third baseman made it clear he is not open to the idea. You know the rest.

Devers, currently serving primarily as a DH while managing some physical limitations, has publicly stated his unwillingness to make the switch. His stance narrows Boston’s options as they look to shore up their infield depth in Casas’ absence.

Now that the Red Sox fixed Devers at the DH, it would be interesting to see how Chisholm performs at the third once he returns from the IL.

Jazz Chisholm Jr might prove effective at the hot corner

Well, Jazz Chisholm Jr has spent time at second base, shortstop, and the outfield with the Marlins, but never at third base. That said, don’t assume he can’t handle the hot corner. Yes, he struggled offensively before landing on the IL this season, making seven home runs and 17 RBIs in 30 games. However, he played a good bit of third base last year after being traded from Miami.

Despite having never played the position professionally before, Chisholm made 45 starts at third, committing seven errors over 400 1/3 innings for a .940 fielding percentage! Good figure for a first-timer, isn’t it?

Reportedly, if Chisholm ends up at third for the Yankees, it would mostly be to make room for DJ LeMahieu. But is he ready for the new position?

In his rehab, Chisholm took a solid first step Thursday night with the Somerset Patriots. He went 2-for-3 at the plate with a walk, singling to right in his first at-bat, drawing a walk in his second, and just missing a home run in his third, settling for a double off the center field wall. He looked sharp both at the plate and in the field.

Now let’s wait for Jazz Chisholm Jr. to play at the third at the biggest stage. If everything goes well, the Yankees may have a good replacement lined-up for LaMahieu.

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