The New York Yankees have designated veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu for assignment, signaling a significant shift in the team's roster composition. In a corresponding move, infielder Jorbit Vivas has been recalled to the major league club. This decision comes just days before LeMahieu's 37th birthday.
Once a highly productive hitter and versatile defender, LeMahieu's performance has declined noticeably in recent years, impacting both his offensive output and defensive capabilities.
LeMahieu's Recent Struggles and Injury History
LeMahieu began the current season on the 10-day injured list due to a calf strain. Upon his return in mid-May, the Yankees provided him with an opportunity to reclaim the second base position, which led to Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifting to third base. However, LeMahieu's offensive contributions remained below expectations, prompting manager Aaron Boone to move Chisholm back to second base.
While LeMahieu has experience at third base, Boone indicated earlier this week that utilizing him at that position was no longer feasible due to physical limitations. General Manager Brian Cashman confirmed that LeMahieu had expressed concerns about playing third base during the offseason.
These limitations seemingly confined LeMahieu to a bench role, but without the defensive flexibility that had previously made him a valuable asset. With his usefulness to the Yankees diminishing, the team has opted to move in a different direction.
A Look Back at LeMahieu's Yankees Tenure
After a successful stint with the Colorado Rockies, LeMahieu initially signed with the Yankees prior to the 2019 season, agreeing to a two-year, $24 million contract. He excelled during this period, posting an impressive .336/.386/.536 slash line over 195 games. His performance translated to a 146 wRC+, indicating he was 46% more productive than the average league hitter. He adeptly filled roles at first base, second base, and third base as needed.
Following his initial contract, LeMahieu re-entered free agency, and the Yankees ultimately re-signed him to a six-year, $90 million deal. In retrospect, this decision appears to have been a misstep for the organization. In 2021, LeMahieu's production dipped to .268/.349/.362, resulting in a 101 wRC+. He showed some improvement in 2022, with a .261/.357/.377 line and a 115 wRC+, but by 2023, his performance had regressed to league average.
Decline and Limited Role
Last year, age and injuries began to take a toll on LeMahieu. He missed significant time due to a right foot contusion and a right hip impingement, limiting him to just 67 games. During that time, he hit .204/.269/.259, producing a 53 wRC+. As previously mentioned, he began this year on the injured list. While his offense has shown some signs of improvement, his .266/.338/.336 line translates to a wRC+ of 95.
It has become increasingly apparent that LeMahieu's role with the Yankees had become limited. Chisholm has proven to be a superior defender at second base and appears more comfortable at the position. The team's long-term plan has seemingly involved acquiring a third baseman before the trade deadline and shifting Chisholm back to second. The Yankees have been linked to players such as Ryan McMahon and Isiah Kiner-Falefa in recent weeks. Cashman has acknowledged the team's intention to seek third base upgrades before the deadline.
LeMahieu's Future and the Yankees' Options
LeMahieu is set to enter the open market in the coming days. He is currently earning $15 million annually through the end of next year, leaving approximately $22 million remaining on his contract. It is unlikely that any team will claim him off waivers, given the financial commitment. LeMahieu has the service time required to reject an outright assignment, ensuring that the Yankees remain responsible for his salary. The Yankees may choose to bypass the assignment process and simply release him, while still being obligated to pay the remaining portion of his contract.
If released, any other club could sign LeMahieu and would only be responsible for paying him the prorated league minimum salary, which would be deducted from the amount owed by the Yankees. Considering LeMahieu's health, age, and recent performance, he may be limited to minor league offers.
Filling the Void at Third Base
In the interim, the Yankees will address the third base position with a combination of Vivas, Oswald Peraza, and backup catcher J.C. Escarra. However, as noted, the team is expected to acquire a player from outside the organization by the July 31 trade deadline to solidify the position.
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