After moving Jazz Chisholm back to his natural second base, the Yankees have designated DJ LeMahieu for assignment.
Aaron Boone confirmed the news on Wednesday, revealing that LeMahieu’s run in pinstripes that began in 2019 has come to an end.
“It’s been a tough couple days,” Boone said. “Some hard conversations, and ultimately coming to this decision, it’s obviouslky not easy for what’s been a great player. He’s done a lot of great things for this organization.
“It’s difficult, but in the end we felt it was the right thing to do at this time. Certainly wish all the best for what’s been a great player.”
Boone told reporters on Tuesday that LeMahieu didn’t take his demotion well, but it had become the reality for the aging veteran, who had lost his range as an infielder while posting a .674 OPS on the season.
Injuries sapped LeMahieu in recent years, as he managed just 67 games in 2024 and had played in 45 games this season. Originally signed to a two-year deal before the 2019 campaign, LeMahieu emerged as an invaluable piece for the Yanks, finishing in the top five in the MVP voting in both the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He earned a six-year contract extension after 2020, signing a $90 million deal. He is owed $22 million.