Jazz Chisholm wants Yankees to mirror Knicks: ‘Flip (New York) upside down again’

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is keeping his attention on one goal as the New York Yankees continue their season: winning games and giving New York fans another reason to celebrate.

After delivering a standout performance in the Yankees’ 8-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium on Monday night, Chisholm made it clear that he is not paying attention to trade rumors or free agency discussions. Instead, he said his focus remains on helping the Yankees succeed and creating the same kind of excitement that recently surrounded New York during the Knicks’ championship run.

Chisholm sparked the Yankees’ offense by hitting home runs in back-to-back at-bats. He launched a three-run home run in the first inning before adding a solo shot in the third, providing the offensive boost the team needed to secure the win. The victory also helped the Yankees move within 1½ games of first-place Tampa Bay in the division race.

Despite ongoing speculation about his future, Chisholm said outside conversations are not distracting him. With his current one-year, $10.2 million contract set to expire after the season, his name has appeared in trade discussions. However, the Yankees are reportedly placing greater emphasis on strengthening other areas of the roster, particularly catcher and bullpen depth.

For Chisholm, those rumors are not part of his daily mindset. He said his only priority is helping the team win and bringing excitement back to New York sports fans. Referring to the energy created by the Knicks during their successful championship campaign, he expressed hope that the Yankees can create a similar atmosphere for the city once again.

His comments came shortly after the Knicks’ memorable title run, which energized fans throughout New York. During that stretch, the phrase “Knicks in 5” became closely associated with the team’s championship journey. Even Knicks captain Jalen Brunson showed support for the Yankees by attending a recent Dodgers-Yankees game while wearing a custom Yankees cap featuring the slogan.

On the field, Chisholm admitted that he has recently been putting too much pressure on himself, especially with Aaron Judge unavailable. He acknowledged trying to do more than necessary during some at-bats, believing he needed to carry a larger share of the offense.

Looking back, Chisholm said he realized that approach was affecting his performance. Instead of trying to produce a game-changing hit every time he stepped to the plate, he has reminded himself that baseball is a team sport and every player has a role. He emphasized that no one on the roster can replace Aaron Judge by trying to do too much individually.

That change in mindset appeared to pay off against Pittsburgh. Chisholm explained that during his first home run at-bat, he was not even aiming to hit the ball out of the park. His primary objective was simply to drive the ball into the outfield and contribute to the offense. The result was a three-run homer that gave the Yankees an early advantage.

Beyond his physical performance, Chisholm also spoke about the importance of confidence. Known throughout his career for his self-belief, he admitted there have been moments recently when his confidence slipped. During those times, several teammates stepped in to remind him of the player they believe he is.

According to Chisholm, teammates including Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt encouraged him to stay confident and trust his abilities. Their support helped reinforce his belief that maintaining confidence is one of the most valuable parts of his game, especially during difficult stretches of the season.

As the Yankees continue their push in the standings, Chisholm’s recent performance and renewed focus could provide an important lift. Rather than thinking about contract situations or offseason decisions, he remains committed to contributing on the field and helping the team compete for more victories.

With the postseason race becoming increasingly competitive, Chisholm’s message is straightforward: winning games comes first, and if the Yankees continue building momentum, he hopes New York will once again experience the excitement that comes when one of its major sports teams makes a memorable championship run.

Sources

• Major League Baseball (MLB)
• New York Yankees Official Website