Jazz Chisholm’s HR Derby Excuse Falls Flat
Jazz Chisholm Jr. had the perfect setup. A left-handed slugger in a lefty-friendly park, repping the New York Yankees and the American League in Monday night’s MLB All-Stars Home Run Derby. But when the moment arrived, Chisholm whiffed—metaphorically, of course.
He launched just three home runs, including bonus time, and looked completely out of rhythm. Rather than laughing it off, he opted for an excuse that rubbed fans the wrong way.
After the Derby, Jazz Chisholm told reporters he didn’t alter his swing for the competition because he didn’t want to mess up his regular-season rhythm.
That’s a valid concern — players have struggled after adjusting for the Derby in the past. But it begs the question: Why agree to participate if you’re not going all in?
Every player tweaks their swing for the Derby. That’s the whole point. The show is about distance and drama not ground balls and excuses.
Read More: 14 MLB Prospects Who Were “Can’t Miss” — and Missed Big
A Missed Opportunity for a Star in the Making
Jazz Chisholm is one of the most electric personalities in baseball. He rocks the belts, the cleats, and the swagger. Fans were excited to see him shine under the Derby spotlight. Instead, they got weak contact and a press conference of regrets.
Jazz says he was trying to “keep his swing” instead of trying to hit homers every swing, and says he’d do the Derby again next year with that different approach if he has 20 homers at the break pic.twitter.com/y2t5HIxGog
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 15, 2025
To his credit, Jazz Chisholm did say he would change his approach and join the Derby again next year, if he reaches 20 homers by the break. But his current career-high is 24, and he’s sitting at 17 now. That’s far from a lock.
With only eight spots available, MLB may think twice about inviting him back. Fans want fireworks, not a round of warning-track flies.
There’s no doubt Jazz Chisholm is a showman. And to be fair, the Home Run Derby isn’t life or death. But this was a prime opportunity to back the flash with some fire. He missed that chance and made it worse by trying to explain it away.
If he wants another shot, he’ll need more than just promise and personality next time. He’ll need to bring the power, too.
Stay in the Game With the Latest Scores, Highlights, and Stories — Follow GamerKoala on MSN.
