Yankees Shake Up Roster: DJ LeMahieu Designated for Assignment – What It Means for the Team

Veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu has been designated for assignment by the Yankees. This news comes just days before his 37th birthday. While LeMahieu was once a key player, his performance has declined significantly in recent years.

LeMahieu began this season on the injured list due to a calf strain. Although he returned in mid-May, his efforts did not meet expectations. The Yankees hoped he could own the second base role, but his batting underperformed. Recently, manager Aaron Boone decided to shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base, saying that LeMahieu’s past experience at third base would now be too physically demanding.

This left LeMahieu with limited opportunities on the bench, as he no longer offered the defensive versatility he once did. The decision to move on was becoming clear for the Yankees.

LeMahieu joined the Yankees after a successful run with the Rockies, signing a two-year deal worth $24 million before the 2019 season. During that contract, he excelled, boasting an impressive .336 batting average over 195 games. This production earned him a contract extension, a six-year deal worth $90 million. Unfortunately, this decision has come back to haunt the Yankees. His performance started to drop after his peak years, hitting .268 in 2021 and .261 in 2022.

In 2023, injuries caught up to him. He missed considerable time last season due to foot and hip issues and played only 67 games, with disastrous results—a batting average of .204. This year, his numbers have improved slightly, but he’s still below average, hitting .266.

With LeMahieu’s future uncertain, the Yankees are looking for third base upgrades, considering players like Ryan McMahon. Recent trends suggest that experienced players are being replaced by younger talent, reflecting a shift in team dynamics.

LeMahieu is set to enter the free market soon. He has about $22 million left on his contract, making it unlikely that another team will claim him off waivers. If he’s released, any interested team might only need to pay the league minimum, which may lead to minor league offers for him.

For now, the Yankees will fill the third base position with Jorbit Vivas, Oswald Peraza, and backup catcher J.C. Escarra. However, expect them to seek external help before the July 31 trade deadline.

The story of DJ LeMahieu serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in sports. It highlights the balancing act teams face between experience and the demand for performance. As we look at LeMahieu’s journey, we ponder what the future holds for both him and the Yankees.

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