The Time to Extend Jazz Chisholm is Now
The Miami Marlins are expecting big things from one of their players this season.
But unless they move quickly, it means he'll eventually walk in free agency.
The Miami Marlins need to sign star centerfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. to a contract extension this season, before he has the MVP-caliber breakout we've all been expecting since he joined the franchise.
We've seen flashes - Jazz had 14 homers and 12 stolen bases in only 60 games in 2022 before a stress fracture in lower back ended his season, albeit not before being named to his first All-Star Game.
But up to this point in his career, there's always been something holding him back. Injuries - Back, shoulder, hamstring, turf toe, oblique. His freelancing at shortstop. Transitioning to second base, and then centerfield.
That's all gone now.
Jazz is taking his body seriously now, for the first time in his career (by his own admission). He's cut out his daily trips to McDonald's, and is working with a private chef and physical therapist. He worked on his offense this winter with MLB legend Matt Holliday, aiming to cut down on his swing-and-miss.
The excuses are off the table.
And so, now is the time. Now is the last chance to sign Jazz before he finally does reach that potential.
Because once he does, he won't be cheap.
Jazz Chisholm has the talent to contend for MVPs - don't ask me, ask him.
"A healthy Jazz is an MVP Jazz [...] If I play the games, it would be 30-something home runs. I just don’t play the games. This year I want to play healthy."
Manager Skip Schumaker thinks he's done "a complete 180" from last year, citing his comfort in the outfield and his assumption of a leadership role.
So, to address the "negatives" about Jazz Chisholm:
Injuries - fixed, thanks to a better focus on the body
Comfort in the role - fixed, thanks to having completed the transition to centerfield
Too much swing-and-miss - fixed, thanks to offseason work with Matt Holliday
This could be the greatest season of Jazz's career.
Want to go ahead and lock him up now? Or wait until he potentially goes 30-30 this season, and then try to buy out his last two free-agent years.
Managing Editor for Blackerby Media, covering the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins Also: Senior Baseball Writer for Auburn Daily, member of both the National College Baseball Writers Association and Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (where he won the 2023 Prospects, Minors, & College Writer of the Year award)