Some MLB teams reportedly 'out' on Jazz Chisholm Jr. because he's different

With the MLB trade deadline just six days away, the discourse around Miami Marlins leadoff man Jazz Chisholm Jr. has gone off the rails. Dozens of other potential trade candidates are being scrutinized for what they've done on the field, but Chisholm is being treated differently. His reputation has been repeatedly dragged through the mud via anonymous sources who are scared off by somebody who they struggle to relate to.

It's a shame because there is a fascinating baseball conversation to be had. Chisholm is in the midst of a solid season, slashing .251/.325/.412 (105 wRC+) with 13 home runs and 21 stolen bases, initially as a full-time center fielder, but very recently, he has begun splitting reps at second base. On an fWAR-per-game basis, this is actually his least-productive year since he was a rookie. Opinions vary about the quality of his defense. After previously making frequent trips to the injured list, Jazz has played 97% of the Marlins' games in 2024. Will that persist? The left-handed hitter's numbers against same-handed pitching are noticeably improved. If he closer to an ordinary regular or a star? Only 26 years old, a traditional aging curve would suggest his best seasons are still ahead of him. How do you assign a value to somebody like this?

All of that is taking a back seat to vague "concerns" about Chisholm's intangibles.

Ken Rosenthal and others from The Athletic reported Wednesday morning that "some clubs are completely out on Chisholm because of his strong personality." Apparently, the Philadelphia Phillies are one of them, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today singled them out last Sunday as having "no interest" despite the abysmal offensive output they have received in center field. "Fears about his ability to stay healthy and brashness have limited his market," according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

When three of the most well-connected national MLB insiders are each independently sharing information about this, there must be some truth to it. However, that is an indictment on these apprehensive teams, not on Chisholm.

Does Jazz get along with all of his teammates? No, he does not.

Chisholm was a first-time spring training non-roster invitee with the 2019 Arizona Diamondbacks. Steven Souza Jr. recalls how he and other D-backs veterans were rebuffed by the 21-year-old prospect when they attempted to take him "under their wing" during camp. More recently, Chisholm clashed with Miguel Rojas and other Marlins vets who disapproved of his conduct. Tension built up to the point that Rojas came to manager Don Mattingly in 2022 to organize a team meeting. Anecdotally, he comes off as stubborn and self-absorbed.

With that being said, it is preposterous for MLB teams focused on contending in 2024 to take themselves out of the Chisholm sweepstakes because of his individualism. He doesn't go out of his way to antagonize his teammates. Outside of baseball, he has never been accused or convicted of any illegal activity. He meaningfully contributed to the 2023 playoff-bound Marlins and continues exerting his full effort this season for a squad that has nothing to play for. The Miami clubhouse has been serene despite their disappointing results.

Chisholm is incredibly marketable, which has led to widespread recognition that his raw production on the field would not merit on its own. Some major leaguers are unsurprisingly jealous of him, but even those players couldn't possibly be pleased that their bosses are pivoting to inferior options on the trade market due to personal dynamics.

I can't help but wonder if the national media is being manipulated. It is complicated to place a price tag on Chisholm, the baseball player. Team executives could genuinely feel that the Marlins' demands don't align with his projected performance moving forward. Perhaps speaking ill of Chisholm is a tactic to sour their fanbases on him and soften the blow for when he's ultimately traded elsewhere.