During his time with the Yankees, DJ LeMahieu earned top-4 MVP voting nods twice, along with two Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove. Photo credit: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
DJ LeMahieu’s seven-season tenure with the New York Yankees has come to a likely end, as the team announced his designation for assignment on Wednesday. The Yankees now have a week to find a trade partner for LeMahieu or place him on waivers for release. Signed to a six-year, $90 million contract in 2020, LeMahieu is set to earn $15 million in both 2025 and 2026. The team will absorb over $20 million of that deal as it comes to a close in 2026.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently stated that LeMahieu would be moved to a bench role, following Jazz Chisholm’s return to second base after a streak at third base. Boone emphasized that this choice was not LeMahieu’s, as the veteran infielder had expressed a willingness to remain a bench option. However, the team decided to make the change at this time.
Rookie infielder Jorbit Vivas has been called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to fill the roster spot.
Injuries have plagued LeMahieu’s time in New York, impacting his playing time after a strong start with the team. Following seasons of 125 and 136 games played in 2022 and 2023, respectively, LeMahieu saw reduced time on the field with just 67 games in 2024 and 45 out of 91 games this season. Various health issues, including core muscle surgery, a broken foot, hip problems, and multiple toe injuries, have hindered his availability.
As LeMahieu approaches his 37th birthday this weekend, he holds a .266 batting average for the current season, accompanied by two home runs and 12 RBI.
