Jazz Chisholm Jr. made an instant impact after the Yankees acquired him from the Marlins midway through the season. Former Marlins President David Samson was skeptical of the long-term effects of the Bahamian with the Yankees. However, the Bronx Bombers clinching a spot in the World Series has changed Samson's opinion.
On Monday's episode of "Nothing Personal with David Samson," the podcast host acknowledged he misjudged Chisholm Jr.'s impact on the Yankees.
"It's not too early for me to do a mea culpa on a couple of things," Samson said [0:34]. "I don't mind being wrong; I really don't. And I have strong opinions about Jazz Chisholm [Jr.]. I was under the assumption that whoever traded for him, their team would be done, and I was wrong."
Samson's apprehension about Jazz Chisholm Jr. stems from his perceived flashy and flamboyant personality. After all, Chisholm Jr. even rocked a green belt and a hat worn backward on his Yankees debut.
"The Yankees traded for Jazz. From what I have [gathered], uh, from what I understand, I'm not breaking news; I'm not an investigative journalist. Let's just say the Yankees have found a way to deal with Jazz, and it has been more positive than negative. He has now won a pennant," Samson added. [0:52]
Samson credited Chisholm Jr.'s early success with the Yankees to the pressures of donning the pinstripes jersey. The former Marlins President particularly praised Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge for Chisholm's success.
Nonetheless, due to his outspoken remarks, the Bahamian All-Star has received pushback from a certain section of the MLB fans.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. wants the Yankees to re-sign Juan Soto
Juan Soto had arguably the best year in his MLB career with the Yankees in 2024. However, the former World Series champion will be a free agent in the offseason and all signs point to a record-breaking deal.
As of now, Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers is the biggest MLB contract. Many believe Soto, due to his relatively young age, has the potential to break the record. Interestingly, Jazz Chisholm wants the Yankees to re-sign Soto.
"Pay my guy, Pay Juan Soto. $700,000,000," Chisholm Jr. said during the locker room celebration after winning the ALCS.
Interestingly, David Samson claimed Juan Soto's decision on free agency would depend on the highest bidder, mainly due to having Scott Boras as his agent. Only a handful of teams have the resources to finance a big deal, and the Yankees are the favorites.