This year’s Home Run Derby features a notable participant: Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. Announced Thursday at the 2025 Home Run Derby in Atlanta, Chisholm plans to approach the event with the relaxed “70%” mindset he’s embraced since returning from the injured list on June 3rd.
Speaking to the media before Friday’s opening game against the Cubs, Chisholm revealed he isn’t overthinking his preparation for the Derby. “I’m not trying to think hard about it. I’m not really practicing for it,” he said. “For me, it’s all about having fun. I stick to 70%, don’t push too hard. I’ll hit some homers and hopefully win while enjoying the experience.”
Chisholm will have his stepfather, Jeron Sand, by his side—someone who has thrown to him often, including during the Bahamas Derby, where Chisholm also competes with this same relaxed mentality. Sand traveled all the way from the Bahamas to support him in New York.
Reflecting on his approach, Chisholm said, “I’m not trying to exhaust myself, just having fun. I’ll hit a few homers and stay consistent rather than trying to overpower others, like Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz.”
When asked about his biggest competition, Chisholm named Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. as the main threat. However, he also noted other strong contenders, including Brent Luker, Mariners’ Cal Laurie, Rays’ Junior Kaminero, Nationals’ James Wood, and Twins’ Byron Buxton.
Chisholm is the seventh different Yankee to compete in the Derby, following legends like Tino Martinez (1997), Jason Giambi (2002-03), Nick Swisher (2010), Robinson Cano (2011-13), Aaron Judge (2017), and Gary Sanchez (2017).
Next week, Chisholm will test whether his 70% approach can help him become the fifth Yankee to win the Home Run Derby, joining Martinez, Giambi, Cano, and Judge.
This season has been a rollercoaster for the second-year Yankee. After a strong start, Chisholm hit a slump and then missed time due to an oblique injury. Since his return, however, he has emerged as one of the American League’s top home run hitters, with 10 homers since June 3rd—surpassed only by Judge and Laurie. As of Friday’s game, Chisholm has totaled 17 home runs this season.
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Fan Take: Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s laid-back yet confident approach to the Home Run Derby highlights a refreshing mindset in baseball, emphasizing enjoyment over pressure. His performance could inspire a new generation of players to find balance between competitiveness and fun, potentially evolving the sport’s culture.
