Jazz Chisholm talks 'MLB The Show 22,' makes bold prediction about 2022 Marlins

Imagine the ideal create-a-player in "MLB The Show." He's probably got immense power, because what's more fun than hitting a home run in a video game? He's probably got blazing speed, because you want to turn every gap hit into a triple. He's probably got a ridiculous celebration, because who doesn't want to ride their bat like it's a horse after blasting a walk-off shot?

You want to be Miami Marlins second baseman Jazz Chisholm, basically. Chisholm can actually play as himself in "MLB The Show 22," but if he were to create-a-player in the game, it would basically be a clone.

"I ain’t going to lie, he’s almost the exact same as me," Chisholm told Yahoo Sports. "He’s going to have the big chains on. He’s going to be wearing the colorful shoes. He’s going to be trying to do something crazy, trying to get a crazy bat flip. Probably with the Ken Griffey Jr. stance."

Gaming is an incredibly popular hobby. Roughly two-thirds of Americans, that's 227 million people, play video games. It should come as no surprise that baseball players fall into that group. The competition doesn't stop once the game on the field ends, teammates turn on each other and settle the score online.

Chisholm's love for video games started early. The first game he really got into was "MVP Baseball 2003." Once "The Show" series started in 2006, Chisholm was hooked.

"I was really big on the baseball games all the the time because I just wanted to be a big leaguer," Chisholm said. "So whatever got me closer to feeling like one, I was going to do."

His love of baseball video games led Chisholm to become a player partner for "MLB The Show 22." He's an authority on the matter. Chisholm has a 50-15 record in the current ranked season of the 2021 version of the game.

Chisholm — who considers himself the best "MLB The Show" player on the Marlins — said the team plays a number of video games — including "The Show," "Call of Duty" and "NBA 2K" — once their actual baseball game ends.

"As soon as you get off the field it’s like, 'Hey, what are we hopping on tonight, boys,'" Chisholm said. "'MLB The Show?' Who wants that work tonight?"

Chisholm feels like he's an even louder version of himself while playing "The Show." The actual game of baseball is unpredictable and humbling. In "The Show," Chisholm can lock in and be perfect, especially when he's hitting with himself.

Jazz Chisholm looking for consistency on the field in 2022

Chisholm is hoping that perfection carries over to the 2022 MLB season. After a promising rookie season, Chisholm wants to be more consistent this year. To do that, Chisholm worked on his focus and mental approach during the offseason.

"I know I’ve got the talent I know I’ve got the skills to do everything," Chisholm said. "It’s just working with a focus. Instead of just going out there and working hard, working hard with focus is a completely different ballgame. Cause you could do 10 [reps] and be as tired as working hard and taking 45 and 50 balls."

That doesn't mean fans should expect Chisholm to be less fun on the field. He doesn't ride his bat like a horse after hitting home runs — that's something you can only get away with in "The Show" — but he takes pride in celebrating big moments. He brought the Euro step celebration to baseball last season, and you know he's bringing it back in 2022.

"I feel like every home run should be a celebration," Chisholm said.

The Marlins are hoping to do more celebrating in 2022. The team won just 67 games last year. Projections believe the Marlins will improve, but only to 77 or so wins, per Baseball Prospectus.

Armed with a secretly dominant pitching staff and Chisholm — who Baseball Prospectus' projection system likes to take a step forward — there's belief the Marlins can take a big leap and become playoff contenders again.

Chisholm believes in his team's chances.

"We’re definitely going to be above .500 this year," he said.

Chisholm may love video games, but he isn't talking about "The Show" when he makes that prediction.

Yahoo Sports was provided with a review copy of "MLB The Show 22."