Aaron Boone has been hearing plenty of criticism from all sides regarding the New York Yankees’ decision to have DJ LeMahieu play third base. Fans and sports talk shows have expressed their concerns, especially since LeMahieu is coming off his worst season in his 14-year career.
At 37 years old and struggling with injuries, his performance has clearly suffered. However, Boone remains confident in the two-time batting champion. Speaking with fans in New Jersey, Boone defended both LeMahieu and the team’s decision to give him another shot this season.
“A lot of people are counting out DJ,” Boone remarked. “Not long ago, he was one of the best hitters in the American League. The reason for his struggles is health-related, and with better health, we think he still has that great hitter in him.”
LeMahieu, who last won the American League batting title five years ago and posted a .364 average in the 2020 season, has faced setbacks, including missing games with COVID-19 that year. He also claimed the National League batting title in 2016 with a .348 average for the Colorado Rockies.
DJ LeMahieu
Despite his past achievements, the concern now is his recent decline—he hit just .204/.269/.259 last season, marred by a foot injury early on and a hip impingement later in the year. Boone, a manager who supports his players, continues to back LeMahieu publicly, and the Yankees are unlikely to part ways with him, especially with two years and $30 million remaining on his contract.
Both Boone and LeMahieu recognize the importance of this spring for his future. “There’s no guarantees,” Boone acknowledged, “but I know how great of a hitter he is. With better health, hopefully, he can carve out a role for himself.”
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