Rizzo Criticizes Chisholm's Reaction to Yankees Fan Boos

Following the New York Yankees' postseason elimination by the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. expressed confusion over the Yankee Stadium crowd's boos, stating the team needed support during the crucial playoff games. His remarks have drawn criticism from former teammate Anthony Rizzo.

In an episode of "Rizzo and Ross Unfiltered," released Thursday, Rizzo, who spent 3 ½ seasons with the Yankees, described Chisholm's comments as indicative of a player who is "lost." Rizzo questioned Chisholm's surprise at being booed, suggesting that a player in his third year with the team should understand the fanbase's expectations.

Chisholm, 28, struggled during the American League Division Series sweep, which included several misplays in Game 2. This performance led to him being benched for Game 3. Entering the season with a prediction of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, Chisholm finished the 2026 regular season with 19 home runs and 41 stolen bases, a performance hampered by injuries. Despite these struggles, Chisholm stated he understood the fanbase but remained puzzled by their reaction.

"I already understand New York fans," Chisholm told reporters postgame. "They booed Aaron Judge before, who am I? It doesn’t hurt, it’s just confusing because it’s the playoffs and we’re trying to win games. So you’re booing a guy that’s playing currently trying to help the team win. You’re hearing boos instead of trying to hype guys up. But at the end of the day, it didn’t hurt me because I’ve seen Aaron Judge get booed here too."

Rizzo, who previously criticized Chisholm's "immaturity" after an ejection in June, did not spare his former teammate. "You’ve played there for three-plus years now, you’ve seen [Anthony] Volpe get run out of town. You’ve seen Judgey get booed. You’ve seen Stanton get booed," Rizzo said. "It surprises you that you got booed? That’s just not the right way to answer questions."

Chisholm is expected to be among several significant decisions for the Yankees in the upcoming offseason as the organization aims to secure its first championship since 2009. While his future with the team is uncertain, Chisholm expressed a desire to remain with the Yankees. "This is where I want to be," he said.