The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr’s first full season in Major League Baseball earned a postseason accolade as he was recognised as one of the top rookies in the sport.

The 23-year-old infielder was named to MLB Pipeline’s All-Rookie Second team.

Chisholm Jr appeared in 124 games this season (91 at second base, 37 at shortstop) with 119 starts. He hit .248 with a .728 OPS, slugging .425 with 115 hits, 183 total bases, 70 runs scored, 20 doubles, four triples, 18 home runs, 53 RBI and a team leading 23 stolen bases.

Despite missing 34 games with various ailments, including a hamstring strain, ankle strain, shoulder contusion and time on the COVID-19 reserve list, Chisholm Jr finished just two home runs away from the vaunted milestone of 20 stolen bases and 20 home runs in his rookie season.

Chisholm Jr, who was called up late in the COVID-19 shortened season, was an opening day starter this season and quickly became a fan favourite for his production and exuberant personality both on and off the field.

In 21 games last season, Chisholm hit .161 with a .563 OPS a .242 OBP, nine hits, two home runs, nine runs, six RBI, and two stolen bases. He started 17 games, 11 at second base. Chisholm was called up on September 1 as the Marlins were one of the teams hit hardest by the pandemic and had the highest roster turnover of any team in the league with 17 players eventually placed on the COVID reserve list.

Chisholm and fellow NL Rookie of the year candidate Trevor Rogers have been starters for the duration of the season but the franchise has also relied heavily on young players like Lewin Diaz, Jesus Sanchez, Bryan De La Cruz and others.

“Now we’re seeing what we’re about to go into next year,” Chisholm told reporters as the regular season neared to a close.

“We have all these rookies on our team - I think it’s like 17 - including staff mabe 19, 20. We go out every day, play our hardest and we’re showing each other what we have in store for next year.”

Chisholm Jr was the second Bahamian in the Marlins’ organisation to receive an award this postseason.

Ian Lewis was recognised by the organisation as one of the top performers in its farm system.

The 18-year-old infielder was named the Florida Complex League MVP when the Marlins named their Minor League Award winners for the 2021 season.