Big Position Change Coming For Marlins All-Star

The Miami Marlins made a big move today bringing in the American League batting champion, Luis Arraez, to play second base. But wait, didn't the Marlins have an All-Star second baseman already? No problem, Jazz Chisholm will be moving to center field. 

The Miami Marlins are moving Jazz Chisholm to center field, GM Kim Ng says. Chisholm has played exclusively as a second baseman and shortstop during his big league career. Luiz Arráez will take over as the full-time second baseman, with Jean Segura manning third.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 20, 2023

Chisholm is a natural middle infielder, having played only 2B and shortstop in his major league career. But Marlins GM Kim Ng says this won't be a problem, and she's already discussed the move with Chisholm.

Ng says Jazz is a very unique athlete with great range and speed. Seeing how he handles pop ups. Says the organization has talked about it for a while. When the opportunity came up with different scenarios they thought about it harder. Says Jazz is intrigued.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 20, 2023

As reported by Marlins beat writer Craig Mish, Chisholm is intrigued with the move... Could you even say that he's... "jazzed" about it? 

Jazz Chisholm, Jr. tells me he told the organization if they didn’t acquire a Centerfielder he would “Go out, play the position and win a Gold Glove.”

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 20, 2023

Chisholm says he's ready to “Go out, play the position and win a Gold Glove.” 

In particular, Ng notes that Jazz is a "very unique athlete with great range and speed" and they've seen it already in how he handles pop-ups. Ng adds that the team has talked about moving Chisholm to CF for a while. But with the opportunity to acquire another All-Star 2B and a batting champ at the same time, "they thought about it harder."

Chisholm won't be the only All-Star middle infielder to make the move to center field this season, as Fernando Tatis Jr. will be roaming the outfield as well when he returns from suspension on April 20th, to make room for new San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts.

 Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports