Jazz Chisholm

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #4 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 45.Power: 60. Run: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
  TRACK RECORD: Chisholm signed with the D-backs for $200,000 in July 2015 and hit 53 home runs combined at low Class A, high Class A and Double-A. The Marlins acquired him at the 2019 trade deadline for righthander Zac Gallen. After the deal, Chisholm hit .284 with an .877 OPS at Double-A Jacksonville and lowered his strikeout rate by more than 8%. He began the 2020 season at the alternate training site and made his major league debut on Sept. 1.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Chisholm has impressive raw tools on both sides of the ball. His smooth, uppercut swing generates solid bat speed and plus power, but his extremely aggressive approach leads to lots of swings and misses. He had a 31% strikeout rate and .107 batting average against fastballs in his debut. Chisholm is a twitchy, rangy athlete who displayed above-average defense, speed and arm strength at both shortstop and second base in the majors. His mix of speed and power gives him a chance to be a 20-20 player if he can make enough contact.
  THE FUTURE: Chisholm has shown the ability to refine his approach and lower his strikeout rate in the past. He should earn a place on the Marlins’ 2021 roster and is on track to be Miami’s everyday shortstop as early by 2022 .
• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #5 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Chisholm signed with the D-backs for $200,000 in July 2015 and worked his way up to becoming the organization's No. 1 prospect after an impressive 2018 season that he finished at high Class A Visalia. Chisholm was traded to the Marlins on July 31 in exchange for big league rookie righthander Zac Gallen.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Chisholm is an athletic, 5-foot-11 shortstop with loud tools both offensively and defensively. A lefthanded hitter, Chisholm has a smooth, uppercut swing and strong wrists that leads to easy plus power but also significant swing-and-miss issues. He did manage to tone down his strikeout rate following the trade to the Marlins, however. He tends to be overly aggressive and hit just .220 in the Southern League this season. Still just 21 years old, Chisholm could be an all-around impact shortstop if he improves his approach, uses the entire field and puts the ball in play more often. Defensively, Chisholm is an above-average defender at shortstop who's capable of making all of the necessary plays. He's also an above-average runner capable of stealing 20-plus bases per season.
  
  THE FUTURE: Chisholm is a high-risk, high-reward prospect. The Marlins could elect to start him back at Double-A to start 2020 with hopes of seeing an improved approach and a better hit tool. If Chisholm's tantalizing potential is realized, he could eventually be one of the majors' most exciting shortstops.
• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #1 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: At a showcase for Lucius Fox in the Bahamas in February 2015, D-backs scout Craig Shipley was as intrigued by Fox at shortstop as he was by Chisholm, who was playing second base. Shipley saw Chisholm again a few weeks later, this time at short, and, impressed by Chisholm's actions and athleticism, wound up signing him for $200,000 that July. He has quickly turned himself into a bargain. After an impressive debut in Rookie-level Missoula, where he hit .281 with nine homers in 249 at-bats, Chisholm played in just 29 games in 2017 before a torn meniscus ended his season. He made up for lost time in 2018, with a solid three and a half months at low Class A Kane County followed by a monster six weeks in the high Class A California League. The 25 home runs he hit in 2018 set a single-season franchise record for a shortstop. He finished with a good showing in a limited role in the Arizona Fall League.
  
  Scouting Report: Chisholm has an exciting array of tools. He has an athletic build and strong hands, and he generates a smooth, lefthanded uppercut swing that produces loud contact with easy power. His approach is aggressive, sometimes too aggressive. Coaches say he has a tendency to try too hard to generate power to his pull side, saying his swing can get too steep and his approach too pull-conscious. They believe when he keeps his approach simple, the power comes naturally to all fields. He strikes out a lot--nearly 30 percent of the time--and his high swing-and-miss rate on pitches in the zone is concerning. He also struggled against lefthanded pitchers. Defensively, Chisholm has everything it takes to stick at shortstop but needs to work on his consistency. He has smooth, flashy actions but is prone to lapses in concentration, making highlight-reel plays before committing errors on routine ones. He's an above-average to plus runner and stole 17 bases in 21 tries. Chisholm has a bubbling, energetic personality and is brimming with confidence, and coaches and team executives say he continued to work hard despite being disappointed about starting the season in Kane County.
  
  The Future: Chisholm is a high-risk but high-reward stock. He has some rough edges to smooth over, but if it comes together he could be a shortstop with 20-homer, 20-steal potential. Parts of his game lack maturity, which could come in time. He could open 2019 in Double-A Jackson.
• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #4 prospect in 2018
  The D-backs spotted Chisholm at a workout showcasing fellow Bahamas native Lucius Fox and ultimately signed him for $200,000. That price now looks like a bargain, given how well regarded he is by rival scouts. Unfortunately, they did not have many chances to see Chisholm in 2017. He played just 29 games at low Class A Kane County before suffering a “bucket-handle” torn meniscus in his right knee. Chisholm bats lefthanded and has big, strong hands and takes powerful, aggressive swings. His approach can get overly aggressive at times, leading to swings and misses, but he can also generate huge power. He led the organization's minor leaguers in home runs during spring training. An average runner, he can improve his raw speed as he builds his lower half. Chisholm has smooth, athletic actions at shortstop and a strong arm, but like a lot of young infielders needs to improve his consistency and focus in the field. He's confident, talkative, well liked by teammates and clearly enjoys playing the game. Chisholm will look to make up for lost developmental time in 2018. He could open the season in high Class A Visalia.
• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #5 prospect in 2017
  The Diamondbacks were restricted in 2015 from signing any international player for more than $300,000 because they exceeded their pool amount the previous year, but the organization found a diamond in the rough in Chisholm, who signed for $200,000. The half-brother of Rays prospect Lucius Fox, Chisholm displays a swagger on the field befitting his nickname "Jazz." (He was born Jasrado.) The D-backs assigned the native Bahamian to Rookie-level Missoula in 2016, and he ranked among the Pioneer League's top prospects. Chisholm projects to be an above-average hitter, with good bat speed and the ability to barrel balls and handle velocity. The ball jumps off his bat and he has enough power to project double-digit home run totals each year, though he could use more polish to his plate approach. Chisholm is at least an average runner, perhaps a tick above, and he should get faster as his legs get stronger. Defensively, he is athletic and at times a plus defender with good hands and an average arm, but he needs to learn to slow the game down. Chisholm is very confident on the field, with scouts noting he thinks he's a big leaguer. Chisholm has the highest ceiling of any position player in the system. He should be ready for a move to full-season ball in 2017, with a likely assignment to low Class A Kane County.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Southern League #7 prospect in 2019
  Chisholm began his first season in the Southern League with the D-backs' organization and ended it with the Marlins after Arizona traded him for big league rookie righthander Zac Gallen on July 31. Evaluations of Chisholm’s potential depended largely on which version one saw, pre-trade or post. Power is a big part of Chisholm’s game, and so too are strikeouts. The lefthanded hitter ranked second in the league with both 21 home runs 147 strikeouts. Chisholm takes aggressive, powerful swings regardless of the count or situation, and he hit the ball in the air more frequently than virtually anybody in the SL. His hitting approach leaves him vulnerable to pitches away, but he showed greater willingness to hit the ball where it’s pitched late in the season, making the infield shift less effective against him. Chisholm shines defensively with strong lateral range, soft hands and a plus arm he uses to make throws from anywhere and without having to plant his feet.
• 
  Ranked California League #6 prospect in 2018
  Chisholm electrified the league after getting called up on July 19, making nightly highlight-reel defensive plays at shortstop and finishing sixth the in the league in total bases (89) from the time he was called up. Chisholm played with swagger and a constant smile on his face, bringing a lighthearted nature to the field while energizing his team. His plus footspeed and athleticism on both sides of the ball stood out in particular. “He’s pretty talented,” Modesto manager Mitch Canham said. “We watched him make some extraordinary plays at shortstop. How relaxed and comfortable and athletic that kid is, he looks like a really special player.” Chisholm is thin, but he generates home run power with with a whippy, uppercut swing that sends long fly balls out to right field. He’ll get overly aggressive and chase pitches, leading to elevated strikeout totals, but at other times he flashes good feel for the strike zone.
• 
  Ranked Arizona Fall League #4 prospect in 2018
  Chisholm placed himself firmly on the prospect radar with a strong year split between low Class A Kane County and high Class A Visalia. As a taxi-squad player limited to playing only on certain days, Chisholm didn’t get a lot of game action for Salt River, but he certainly made the most of his 10 games on the field, raising his stock even higher. Chisholm hit an eye-popping .442/.489/.767 with three home runs in 43 at-bats, at times flashing spectacular defense at shortstop.

  The key to Chisholm’s improvement has been added strength and the ability to tap into his power more often. He’s a plus defender now, but like most young shortstops he still occasionally misses on some of the easier plays. With a big personality and perpetually engaging smile on the field, Chisholm may soon join Phoenix Suns rookie center Deandre Ayton as the two most popular Bahamian athletes in town.

• 
  Ranked Pioneer League #9 prospect in 2016
  The Diamondbacks appear to have found a bargain in Chisholm, the half-brother of Rays prospect Lucius Fox, who signed for $200,000. He goes by "Jazz" instead of his formal first name. He's very confident, but observers noted that sometimes his body language isn't what it needs to be. Defensively, Chisholm is athletic and at times a plus defender with good hands and an average arm, reminding one observer of Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius. He has the ability to make both the difficult and the routine play. Chisholm has an unorthodox swing from an upright stance with low hands, but it works for him. He barrels balls well and has good bat speed. He's got solid-average raw power though his contact issues (he ranked seventh in the league with 73 strikeouts) are a concern. He's at least an average runner.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #77 prospect in 2021
• Ranked Baseball America's #88 prospect in 2020
• Ranked Baseball America's #59 prospect in 2019

• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 45.Power: 60. Run: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
  TRACK RECORD: Chisholm signed with the D-backs for $200,000 in July 2015 and hit 53 home runs combined at low Class A, high Class A and Double-A. The Marlins acquired him at the 2019 trade deadline for righthander Zac Gallen. After the deal, Chisholm hit .284 with an .877 OPS at Double-A Jacksonville and lowered his strikeout rate by more than 8%. He began the 2020 season at the alternate training site and made his major league debut on Sept. 1.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Chisholm has impressive raw tools on both sides of the ball. His smooth, uppercut swing generates solid bat speed and plus power, but his extremely aggressive approach leads to lots of swings and misses. He had a 31% strikeout rate and .107 batting average against fastballs in his debut. Chisholm is a twitchy, rangy athlete who displayed above-average defense, speed and arm strength at both shortstop and second base in the majors. His mix of speed and power gives him a chance to be a 20-20 player if he can make enough contact.
  THE FUTURE: Chisholm has shown the ability to refine his approach and lower his strikeout rate in the past. He should earn a place on the Marlins’ 2021 roster and is on track to be Miami’s everyday shortstop as early by 2022 .
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 45.Power: 60. Run: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
  TRACK RECORD: Chisholm signed with the D-backs for $200,000 in July 2015 and hit 53 home runs combined at low Class A, high Class A and Double-A. The Marlins acquired him at the 2019 trade deadline for righthander Zac Gallen. After the deal, Chisholm hit .284 with an .877 OPS at Double-A Jacksonville and lowered his strikeout rate by more than 8%. He began the 2020 season at the alternate training site and made his major league debut on Sept. 1.
  SCOUTING REPORT: Chisholm has impressive raw tools on both sides of the ball. His smooth, uppercut swing generates solid bat speed and plus power, but his extremely aggressive approach leads to lots of swings and misses. He had a 31% strikeout rate and .107 batting average against fastballs in his debut. Chisholm is a twitchy, rangy athlete who displayed above-average defense, speed and arm strength at both shortstop and second base in the majors. His mix of speed and power gives him a chance to be a 20-20 player if he can make enough contact.
  THE FUTURE: Chisholm has shown the ability to refine his approach and lower his strikeout rate in the past. He should earn a place on the Marlins’ 2021 roster and is on track to be Miami’s everyday shortstop as early by 2022 .
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Chisholm signed with the D-backs for $200,000 in July 2015 and worked his way up to becoming the organization’s No. 1 prospect after an impressive 2018 season that he finished at high Class A Visalia. Chisholm was traded to the Marlins on July 31 in exchange for big league rookie righthander Zac Gallen.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Chisholm is an athletic, 5-foot-11 shortstop with loud tools both offensively and defensively. A lefthanded hitter, Chisholm has a smooth, uppercut swing and strong wrists that leads to easy plus power but also significant swing-and-miss issues. He did manage to tone down his strikeout rate following the trade to the Marlins, however. He tends to be overly aggressive and hit just .220 in the Southern League this season. Still just 21 years old, Chisholm could be an all-around impact shortstop if he improves his approach, uses the entire field and puts the ball in play more often. Defensively, Chisholm is an above-average defender at shortstop who’s capable of making all of the necessary plays. He’s also an above-average runner capable of stealing 20-plus bases per season.
  
  THE FUTURE: Chisholm is a high-risk, high-reward prospect. The Marlins could elect to start him back at Double-A to start 2020 with hopes of seeing an improved approach and a better hit tool. If Chisholm’s tantalizing potential is realized, he could eventually be one of the majors’ most exciting shortstops.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Chisholm signed with the D-backs for $200,000 in July 2015 and worked his way up to becoming the organization's No. 1 prospect after an impressive 2018 season that he finished at high Class A Visalia. Chisholm was traded to the Marlins on July 31 in exchange for big league rookie righthander Zac Gallen.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Chisholm is an athletic, 5-foot-11 shortstop with loud tools both offensively and defensively. A lefthanded hitter, Chisholm has a smooth, uppercut swing and strong wrists that leads to easy plus power but also significant swing-and-miss issues. He did manage to tone down his strikeout rate following the trade to the Marlins, however. He tends to be overly aggressive and hit just .220 in the Southern League this season. Still just 21 years old, Chisholm could be an all-around impact shortstop if he improves his approach, uses the entire field and puts the ball in play more often. Defensively, Chisholm is an above-average defender at shortstop who's capable of making all of the necessary plays. He's also an above-average runner capable of stealing 20-plus bases per season.
  
  THE FUTURE: Chisholm is a high-risk, high-reward prospect. The Marlins could elect to start him back at Double-A to start 2020 with hopes of seeing an improved approach and a better hit tool. If Chisholm's tantalizing potential is realized, he could eventually be one of the majors' most exciting shortstops.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  Chisholm began his first season in the Southern League with the D-backs' organization and ended it with the Marlins after Arizona traded him for big league rookie righthander Zac Gallen on July 31. Evaluations of Chisholm’s potential depended largely on which version one saw, pre-trade or post. Power is a big part of Chisholm’s game, and so too are strikeouts. The lefthanded hitter ranked second in the league with both 21 home runs 147 strikeouts. Chisholm takes aggressive, powerful swings regardless of the count or situation, and he hit the ball in the air more frequently than virtually anybody in the SL. His hitting approach leaves him vulnerable to pitches away, but he showed greater willingness to hit the ball where it’s pitched late in the season, making the infield shift less effective against him. Chisholm shines defensively with strong lateral range, soft hands and a plus arm he uses to make throws from anywhere and without having to plant his feet.
• August, 2018 Scouting Report
  Chisholm placed himself firmly on the prospect radar with a strong year split between low Class A Kane County and high Class A Visalia. As a taxi-squad player limited to playing only on certain days, Chisholm didn’t get a lot of game action for Salt River, but he certainly made the most of his 10 games on the field, raising his stock even higher. Chisholm hit an eye-popping .442/.489/.767 with three home runs in 43 at-bats, at times flashing spectacular defense at shortstop.

  The key to Chisholm’s improvement has been added strength and the ability to tap into his power more often. He’s a plus defender now, but like most young shortstops he still occasionally misses on some of the easier plays. With a big personality and perpetually engaging smile on the field, Chisholm may soon join Phoenix Suns rookie center Deandre Ayton as the two most popular Bahamian athletes in town.

• July, 2018 Scouting Report
  After missing all but 29 games last year, Chisholm has been able to stay on the field and showcase his exciting array of tools. No one denies that Chisholm has the potential for huge power, but some believe he’s become too obsessed with launch angle, to the point that his swing gets too uphill. Others think that’s a natural component of a beautiful swing. Coaches say Chisholm’s at-bat management has improved this year despite his 28 percent strikeout rate.
• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: The Diamondbacks were restricted in 2015 from signing any international player for more than $300,000 because they exceeded their pool amount the previous year, but the organization found a diamond in the rough in Chisholm, who signed for $200,000. The half-brother of Rays prospect Lucius Fox, Chisholm displays a swagger on the field befitting his nickname "Jazz." (He was born Jasrado.) The D-backs assigned him to Rookie-level Missoula in 2016, and he ranked among the Pioneer League's top prospects. Scouting Report: Chisholm projects to be an above-average hitter, with good bat speed and the ability to barrel balls and handle velocity. The ball jumps off his bat and he has enough power to project double-digit home run totals each year, though he could use more polish to his plate approach. Chisholm is at least an average runner, perhaps a tick above, and he should get faster as his legs get stronger. Defensively, he is athletic and at times a plus defender with good hands and an average arm, but he needs to learn to slow the game down. Chisholm is very confident on the field, with scouts noting he thinks he's a big leaguer.
  
  The Future: Chisholm has the highest ceiling of any position player in the system. He should be ready for a move to full-season ball in 2017, with a likely assignment to low Class A Kane County.