NEW YORK — It was a bittersweet goodbye for DJ LeMahieu and the New York Yankees, as the franchise made the tough decision to designate the veteran infielder for assignment. Manager Aaron Boone had already hinted at a reduced role for LeMahieu, which made the announcement feel like the final chapter in a once-promising era for the player in pinstripes.
With this move, the Yankees will owe LeMahieu approximately $22 million, which accounts for his current $15 million salary this season and an additional $15 million due in 2026. It’s a hefty financial commitment, but it reflects the reality of a player whose recent struggles have overshadowed his past contributions.
“It’s been a tough couple of days, some hard conversations, and ultimately coming to this decision wasn’t easy for someone who has given so much to this organization,” Boone acknowledged. “He’s accomplished a lot here, but in the end, I feel like this is the right thing to do at this time.”
While LeMahieu did not request his release, the conversations he had with general manager Brian Cashman leading up to this decision were undoubtedly impactful. Boone noted they spoke several times throughout the day, highlighting the emotional weight of this transition for both the player and the team.
To fill the void left by LeMahieu, the Yankees have promoted infielder Jorbit Vivas to their 26-man roster. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifting over to second base, Boone indicated that Oswald Peraza, Vivas, and JC Escarra will now compete for opportunities at third base.
LeMahieu, now 36 years old, becomes the latest in a line of veteran players the Yankees have moved on from this season, joining names like Aaron Hicks, Josh Donaldson, and Harrison Bader. The franchise’s ongoing reshaping of its roster began in earnest when Hicks was released in May 2023, leaving the team to shoulder a considerable financial burden to maintain its competitive edge.
When LeMahieu first signed with the Yankees, he was a force to be reckoned with, penning a two-year, $24 million deal in 2019, which was followed by a six-year, $90 million extension after an impressive 2020 season that saw him finish third in the AL MVP voting. However, the road since then has been rocky. He has battled lower-body injuries that have significantly affected his performance, and his offensive numbers have suffered as a result. His 99 wRC+ since the beginning of the 2021 season ranks among the bottom tier of major league hitters with at least 2,000 plate appearances.
The versatility that once defined LeMahieu’s game seems to have slipped away, forcing the Yankees into a corner. Boone characterized the physical challenges of playing third base as considerable, especially following a left calf injury sustained during spring training that ultimately shifted the team’s expectations for him entering the 2025 season.
Defensively, LeMahieu’s range at second base became a concern, complicating an already crowded roster. With Giancarlo Stanton, who cannot play in the field, also occupying space on the active roster, it became increasingly difficult for the Yankees to justify keeping LeMahieu around, especially with his current diminished offensive threat compared to Stanton.
In reflecting on LeMahieu’s time with the Yankees, it’s hard not to appreciate his impressive accolades: two top-five MVP finishes, two Silver Slugger Awards, and a Gold Glove Award as a utility infielder in 2022. His contributions to the team were invaluable during a stretch that saw him not just succeed individually but also flourish as part of a broader Yankees identity.
Ultimately, this marks the end of an era for LeMahieu and the Yankees—a culmination of struggles, conversations, and decisions that span several seasons. As he looks ahead, the baseball world waits to see if another team will take a chance on him to rekindle that spark he once displayed in the Bronx.
