Yankees Eyeing 'Super Charge' Trade After Ditching DJ LeMahieu
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The New York Yankees took a clear stance by designating DJ LeMahieu for assignment despite the $22 million he is still owed.
After dropping their lead in the American League East division to the Toronto Blue Jays amid a desperate skid, the Yankees are clearly going to make any moves they can to right the ship and contend for a World Series championship.
Discussing the LeMahieu decision on Wednesday, general manager Brian Cashman explained that clearing a spot by ditching the veteran from the active roster was meant to open up room for a significant external addition.
"I'm always interested in adding something that'll have big impact, that'll super charge us," Cashman said, when asked if the DFA was a sign that the Yankees are ready to "make some big moves," per Max Goodman of NJ Advance Media.
BRONX, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: New York Yankee general manager Brian Cashman speaks to the media during a press conference at Yankee Stadium on December 21, 2022 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Dustin...
BRONX, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: New York Yankee general manager Brian Cashman speaks to the media during a press conference at Yankee Stadium on December 21, 2022 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by) More
Satloff/Getty
Moving on from LeMahieu is a clear signal the Yankees are hoping for an infield upgrade. After it was determined the veteran could no longer effectively defend second or third base, the team couldn't justify keeping him on the bench.
But Cashman noted he is looking for additions at several roster spots. He mentioned starting pitching, relievers and the infield as areas the team hopes to fortify.
"We're going to go to town," he said, according to Goodman. "We're going to do everything we possibly can to improve ourselves and try to match up and hopefully at the end of it all, we'll have whatever is here on this current roster remaining healthy and we'll add to it and be proud of that and take our shot."
That might be a long shopping list, but with clear win-now expectations and a demonstrated willingness to make difficult roster decisions in the pursuit of meeting them, the Yankees are set for an active trade deadline.
More MLB: Yankees' DJ LeMahieu Reacts to Harsh Roster Move He 'Didn't Ask For'
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