Major League Baseball: Yankees Part Ways with Veteran Infielder DJ LeMahieu in $22 Million Move
Updated Jul. 9, 2025, 10:22 p.m. 777pub.com apk ET
NEW YORK – After much anticipation, the New York Yankees have finally parted ways with veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu. The announcement came on Wednesday, just before their game against the Seattle Mariners. This decision marks an end to LeMahieu’s six-year contract, which was set to run through the 2026 season, with nearly $22 million still owed to him.
“He’s one of the most respected players we’ve had,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone remarked. “And rightfully so. He’s earned that respect through his professionalism, toughness, and performance on the field. He carries himself with quiet determination, which has garnered him a lot of respect from his teammates.”
The decision to DFA LeMahieu was described as “difficult” by Boone and had been brewing over the past few days. Following a decision to move Jazz Chisholm from third base back to his original position at second, there was no viable spot left for LeMahieu. bk8 entertainment Although he has played 295 games at third base, he expressed to general manager Brian Cashman that his recovery from a hip injury made continuing in that position a challenge for him this spring.
“Playing third base is a demanding position,” Boone acknowledged. “It would have been a challenge for him. Yet, he was open to working hard and making it an option for us.”
When asked how LeMahieu reacted to the team’s decision, Cashman stated succinctly: “Like a pro.” LeMahieu has been a beloved figure in the Yankees clubhouse since joining the team in 2019.
Cashman declared that moving LeMahieu off the roster would benefit the team’s configuration moving forward. To replace him, the Yankees called up infielder Jorbit Vivas, who is expected to split playing time at third base with Oswald Peraza and possibly catcher J.C. Escarra, as the team searches for upgrades before the trade deadline. Cashman noted that letting go of LeMahieu would give Boone more flexibility in managing the bench.
At 36 years old, LeMahieu is a two-time batting champion and a three-time All-Star who has ranked in the top 15 for MVP voting three times throughout his 15-year career. He contributed significantly during the Yankees’ 2019 playoff run with a .325/.386/.625 slash line and three home runs. He also won the batting title in 2020, finishing the season with a .364 batting average and a 1.011 OPS over 50 games.
However, injuries have plagued him in recent years, resulting in diminished playing time and noticeable defensive errors. While his dedication to playing through pain is commendable, the decision to part ways with LeMahieu had long been anticipated. The Yankees have historically hesitated to release aging players with large contracts, often allowing such contracts to run their course rather than pursuing upgrades customer service.
Cashman’s choice to DFA LeMahieu and absorb the remaining $22 million marks a notable shift in the approach of a GM who has usually preferred not to part with high-cost players. One cannot help but wonder if the urgency of the Yankees looking up at the Toronto Blue Jays in the standings influenced this decision. If the Yankees had been leading the division comfortably, the outcome for LeMahieu might have looked different.
“That’s the nature of the beast,” Cashman reflected on LeMahieu’s unexpected contract situation. “Sometimes things work out, and sometimes they don’t. With DJ, we had longer-term discussions that resulted in a different type of contract. Injuries can alter the picture dramatically, but I don’t look back with regret — that would be a waste of time.”
Deesha Thosar covers Major League Baseball as a reporter and columnist for FOX Sports jili slot 888. She previously reported on the Mets for the New York Daily News and is the daughter of Indian immigrants 50 pesos cash in online casino. Growing up on Long Island, she now resides in Queens. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar.
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