The New York Yankees have officially released infielder DJ LeMahieu, marking the end of his seven-year tenure with the team. This decision transitions LeMahieu to free agency, allowing him to explore new opportunities as he concludes his time in the Bronx.
LeMahieu, a four-time Gold Glove winner, three-time All-Star, and two-time batting champion, had a six-year, $90 million contract that was set to run through the 2026 season. Unfortunately, this move means the Yankees will absorb over $20 million of that contract. Earlier this week, manager Aaron Boone indicated that LeMahieu’s role would be shifted to a bench position following a change in the lineup, where Jazz Chisholm returned to second base after a successful stint at third.
“This has been a tough couple of days and hard conversations, and coming to this decision was not easy,” Boone stated. He acknowledged LeMahieu’s significant contributions to the organization and emphasized that this action was deemed necessary at this time.
Throughout his time with the Yankees, injuries affected LeMahieu’s performance. After playing 125 and 136 games in the previous two seasons, he managed only 67 games in 2024 and 45 games so far in the current season. His list of injuries has included core muscle surgery, a broken foot, and various toe issues, which have hindered his ability to remain consistently on the field.
As the Yankees adjust their roster, rookie infielder Jorbit Vivas has been called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to join the team. LeMahieu’s current batting average stands at .266 for the season, featuring two home runs and twelve RBIs.
This departure allows both LeMahieu and the Yankees to look toward new paths. While the transition may be difficult, it opens doors for a fresh start for the veteran infielder and a chance for the franchise to integrate new talent into their roster.