Yankees Postseason Push Rests With Two Key Players

When speaking about X-factors, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger will always be in the picture. These three stars are currently doing what they’re supposed to for the Yankees. Chisholm Jr is also in that conversation. 

The infielder, Chisholm Jr, is a game changer in many senses, and his performances will need to keep up to ensure the competitiveness of the team in the coming month. The Yankees closer, Williams, despite his recent blunders, will need to find a way to get things done. 

Yankees Second Basemen Needs to Continue His Type of Play in a Problematic Sense 

Chisholm Jr was brought to the Bronx to essentially be crazy glue for the infield. His services came with the ability to play third base. This decision put him in a bad light from the beginning. Now that he’s playing where he’s supposed to, things are starting to look up. 

Chisholm Jr. is known to have above-average abilities at second base. According to Baseball Savant, he’s held six outs above average at second, while at third he’s been worth -3 OAA. His range on both sides and his ability to twist double plays are impeccable. Where the infielder becomes super valuable is at the dish and on the basepaths.

He’s known to be streaky at the plate, pushing out gap-to-gap hits, extra-base hits, and the occasional long ball. His power and bat-to-ball skills have shown very well this season, helping the Yankees pull out of their massive slump.

In Chishom Jr’s last 15 games, he’s recorded 12 hits, six home runs, 15 RBIs, 12 walks, 16 strikeouts, and eight stolen bases. So far in 2025, he’s totaled 26 home runs, 67 RBIs, 25 stolen bases, and a .240 batting average. 

His ability to drive in runs, get on base, and take bases is crucial for specific game scenarios in a must-win situation. Chisholm Jr. is a key factor in pulling victories, especially as the season enters September. 

The Yankees Closer Needs to Be Solid From Here On Out 

It’s no secret that Yankees closer, Devin Williams, has had a tough time in the Bronx. He’s entering a scenario where he’ll be put right back into the fire in the ninth inning of meaningful baseball. Williams needs to come clutch and figure out his woes on the mound. 

The right-hander has been moved in and out of the role, being given a break, in an attempt to reset him. Williams currently ranks 22nd in saves among all qualified relievers in MLB.

His reliability was not very good this season, and his confidence is obviously absent. The right-hander has thrown 52 and 1 / 3 innings with a 3-5 record, 4.99 ERA, 18 recorded saves, four blown saves, and a .202 batting average against. 

Williams is a certified closer with a history that proves his pay cheque and why the Yankees traded for him in the offseason. The only option outside of him is Luke Weaver, who is also questionable at this point. Williams will be called on to close the door in the late innings as the Yankees head to the postseason.

In his role, he doesn’t have to win the fight, but he can’t lose the fight. Finding ways to get outs is going to be his priority. Forcing groundouts and flyouts are his best bet, staying away from the zones and wheelhouses. He has elite swing and miss stuff with a 13.07 K/9, and if he can harness the rest of his game in the Bronx, he’ll be a weapon down the stretch.

Chisholm Jr and Williams are key factors that need to get hot, stay hot, and step up in the month of September for a postseason chase.