The Yankees will be without DJ LeMahieu for the early part of the season, and his decline and injury history suggest his time in New York may be nearing its end. LeMahieu signed a six-year, $90 million deal with the Yankees in 2021, and while he’s under contract through next season, FanSided’s Rucker Haringey speculated that the team could trade him before his contract expires, listing him among players potentially playing their final season in the Bronx.
Haringey wrote, “The only silver lining for GM Brian Cashman and his staff is that LeMahieu has only one guaranteed year left after this season. This opens up the possibility that the Yankees could trade him if they attach a mid-tier prospect to his bloated salary.
” He also mentioned, “The franchise might give him some at-bats this year if he gets healthy, but it won’t change the downward trend of his career. The sooner he leaves the Bronx, the sooner his spot can be filled by a more productive infielder.
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LeMahieu, a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, two-time Silver Slugger, and two-time batting champion, struggled last season, appearing in just 67 games, and has started this season injured. Over the past two seasons, his OPS stands at just .663. Haringey noted, “Unfortunately for the former LSU standout, he’s gone from batting champion to one of the worst starters in baseball.
” The Yankees have been linked to potential upgrades at third base, such as Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado, and moving on from LeMahieu could give them the financial flexibility to pursue one of these elite players.
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