Yankees Star Sets Sights on Rare Shohei Ohtani Accomplishment

New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. delivered an impressive performance in 2025, achieving a remarkable milestone by recording 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases. This made him only the third player in the storied history of the franchise to accomplish the 30-30 feat, joining an exclusive group that highlights his unique combination of power and speed on the basepaths.

This accomplishment came during his first full campaign with the Yankees after being acquired in a previous trade. Chisholm’s ability to blend explosive offensive skills with elite base-running turned heads across the league, solidifying his role as a dynamic force in the lineup, primarily at second base.

Following his entry into the 30-30 club late in the 2025 season, Chisholm expressed growing confidence in his potential during a conversation with The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner. At that time, he indicated ambitions beyond what he had already achieved, suggesting he could elevate his game even further in the seasons ahead.

More recently, in another discussion with the same reporter, Chisholm raised the bar significantly higher. He openly declared his intention to pursue the Most Valuable Player award in the American League while aiming to replicate an extraordinary accomplishment that has only been done once before in MLB history.

Chisholm specifically referenced the desire to become part of the exclusive 50-50 club—meaning 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.

When reminded that only Shohei Ohtani has reached this unprecedented level, Chisholm responded boldly: “You’re looking at the second one.”

Such a target would represent one of the most audacious goals in modern baseball. Hitting 50 home runs demands exceptional raw power, something few players at any position consistently produce, let alone those who also rely on speed for their value.

The challenge becomes even steeper when considering Chisholm’s primary defensive position. The single-season record for home runs by a second baseman stands at 45, set by Marcus Semien in 2021. Surpassing that mark alone would etch Chisholm’s name into the history books, but pairing it with 50 steals would create an entirely new benchmark for versatility.

Experts and fans alike recognize the rarity of combining elite home run totals with high-volume base stealing. Ohtani’s historic 2024 season remains the sole example of this dual-threat dominance, making Chisholm’s aspiration a bold statement about his self-belief and physical gifts.

Entering the 2026 campaign, this season holds extra significance for Chisholm as it marks his final year before reaching free agency. A breakout performance on this scale could dramatically enhance his market value, potentially leading to a lucrative long-term deal.

Chisholm has made it clear that he prefers to remain with the Yankees organization. Should he deliver on even a portion of his lofty objectives—whether it’s MVP contention, award-winning defense and offense, or approaching that historic 50-50 threshold—it would not only boost the team’s championship aspirations but also position him favorably for the massive financial rewards that await top-tier free agents.