Ex-Yankees Star Makes Jazz Chisolm Jr Trade Look Bad After Delivering Fitting Payback

When the New York Yankees pulled the trigger on a deal to land Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins last July 27, the logic seemed sound. Three prospects were sent packing, and in return came a flashy, left-handed bat the Yankees hoped would fuel a deep postseason run. But just a year later, that trade is being viewed through a very different lens because one of those “prospects” now looks like the kind of difference-maker New York could sorely use.

This weekend, Agustín Ramírez returned to the spotlight—not in Yankees pinstripes, but in a Marlins uniform, where he tormented his former club in a two-game stretch that felt like scripted payback. On Friday night, the young catcher delivered the go-ahead hit in a chaotic 13–12 slugfest, then followed it up with a cold-blooded performance on Saturday: two solo home runs that accounted for all the scoring in Miami’s 2–0 win to seal the series.

Adding another layer of irony? Ramírez’s breakout came on the same day Jazz Chisholm Jr. ran into a costly mistake—getting doubled off first base on a routine infield pop-up hit by Paul Goldschmidt, resulting in an inning-ending double play. To be clear, Chisholm Jr. has delivered on his end. With 18 home runs and 14 stolen bases this season, he’s provided exactly what the Yankees hoped for.  But sometimes, the player you give up turns into the star you were chasing. And as Ramírez reveals, the trade wasn’t a heartbreak but an opportunity:

“I want to be a star, and I want to have a long career in MLB… I was mostly happy because when a lot of people spoke to me, they told me that I was going to get a lot of opportunity to make the major league level with [the Marlins],” He said it matter-of-factly, just hours after clubbing two no-doubt home runs off his former club. But this all didn’t happen in one day.

 MLB Pipeline’s scouting report said Ramirez lacks agility and soft hands. He has spent the past year fine-tuning his defense and improving his receiving skills behind the plate. During the offseason, he worked with catching coach Joe Singley at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex. Singley, who also trained with him in the gym, saw clear potential. “I think he’s super talented, and there’s a lot of low-hanging fruit there,” he said. “Really hopeful that he could have a very long, nice Major League career as a catcher.” His current manager agrees.

Marlins skipper Clayton McCullough spoke highly of Ramírez’s upside: “We’ve seen Gus do some really incredible things… We believe his offensive ceiling is not close yet. We’re going to continue to see a better version of him as he gets more at-bats.” Even Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged as much after realizing the development he may have overseen, “He was a coveted guy,” Boone admitted. “It’s big-time power. He put a charge into a couple balls today.” The full scope of the Jazz Chisholm Jr. trade extends beyond Agustín Ramírez. 

 The Marlins also acquired infielder Jared Serna, now at Double-A Pensacola, where he’s batting .262 with 10 home runs and 17 stolen bases—showcasing versatility and sneaky power that could translate to a future utility role. The youngest of the trio, Abrahan Ramírez, remains in Single-A Jupiter but has drawn attention for his advanced plate discipline, posting a .348 on-base percentage with a walk rate near 14%. While neither has cracked the majors yet, both are tracking as potential contributors, giving Miami a strong return package that continues to develop behind Ramírez’s breakout.