Jazz Chisholm Jr. ‘excited to play in October for the Yankees’ after trade from Marlins

Twenty-four hours after the Yankees and Miami Marlins announced Saturday’s trade for Jazz Chisholm Jr., the 26-year-old center fielder started for New York and was a contributor in Sunday’s 8-2 win at the Boston Red Sox.

“My reaction when I found out I was being traded here? It was great,” Chisholm said after a 1-for-5 debut that included a stolen base and run scored. “I mean, I found out I was going to go to a contending team, a team that was in first place, fighting for a playoff spot … I’m excited to play in October for the Yankees.”

The Nassau, Bahamas, native — originally signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks as an international free agent in July 2015 before a July 2019 trade to Miami — debuted Sept. 1, 2020, with the Marlins, whom Yankees legend Derek Jeter partly owned from September 2017 through February 2022.

“Every kid dreams of being a Yankee,” said Chisholm, who slashed .249/.323/.407 with 66 home runs, 205 RBI and 81 stolen bases in 403 games from 2020-24. “It’s the most famous team in baseball, that Derek Jeter played on, you know what I mean? Everybody’s favorite player was Derek Jeter, growing up. I had him as an owner. So I just feel like it was only right to come out and put on the uniform.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said in his pregame media availability that New York would utilize Chisholm — originally a second baseman, before moving to center field ahead of the 2023 season — for his versatility, including third base, and Chisholm seems up for the challenge.

“I mean, I went out there and played center field for the first time last year,” Chisholm said. “And I felt like it was pretty difficult at first, but I just feel like I can go play anywhere and help my team win, you know what I mean? So for me, it’s just going somewhere — especially a winning team — and, if they ask me to go somewhere to help them win, I’m definitely going to go out there and do it.”