Veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu has been designated for assignment by the New York Yankees, as reported by various sources including Jorge Castillo from ESPN. This decision comes just days before LeMahieu turns 37 on Sunday. Once a standout hitter known for his versatility in the infield, LeMahieu’s performance has significantly declined with age.
The infielder started the current season on the 10-day injured list due to a calf strain but returned in mid-May. The Yankees attempted to give him a chance to reclaim the second base position, shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. to third. However, LeMahieu’s offensive output was below expectations, leading Manager Aaron Boone to move Chisholm back to his original spot. Boone also indicated that playing third base would be too demanding physically for LeMahieu, a sentiment shared by General Manager Brian Cashman, who noted that the veteran had expressed concerns about the position’s toll on him during the offseason.
LeMahieu’s limitations left him in a reduced role without the defensive flexibility he once offered. Previously, he had been signed by the Yankees in 2019 after a successful stint with the Rockies, earning a two-year deal worth $24 million. During that time, he thrived, boasting a .336 batting average and a 146 wRC+. However, the Yankees later signed him to a six-year contract worth $90 million, which in retrospect has not panned out favorably, as his production waned.
In recent seasons, injuries and age have taken a toll on LeMahieu. After struggling in 2021, he managed a slight rebound in 2022 but remained a league-average hitter in 2023, with a current line of .266/.338/.336, translating to a wRC+ of just 95. Last year, he faced significant challenges, hitting only .204 over 67 games due to various injuries.
As the Yankees look to the future, they are making the necessary adjustments to their roster, marking a new chapter after years of LeMahieu’s contributions to the team.
In a hopeful light, this shift may provide an opportunity for younger players like Jorbit Vivas, who has been recalled as part of the roster changes, to step up and make an impact as the team navigates through the remainder of the season.