Yankees cut ties with veteran infielder ahead of trade deadline
DJ LeMahieu's time in pinstripes is over. The New York Yankees designated the veteran infielder for assignment on Wednesday, one day after benching him to allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to reclaim second base.
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The Yankees have seven days for teams to claim LeMahieu off waivers.
LeMahieu, who's owed around $22 million through 2026, has seen his performance dip to a .676 OPS in 142 plate appearances, and was benched Tuesday without a defensive position to lock down.
New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu reacts against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on June 8, 2025.© John Jones-Imagn Images
Trading him would be ideal, but LeMahieu's diminished trade value could make that move challenging.
Fans and analysts anticipate a clear shift in roster strategy. The Yankees are reportedly targeting third-base upgrades and boosting depth across the diamond. By clearing LeMahieu's roster spot, the Yankees can hold on to Oswald Peraza as the back-up shortstop. That means they can go out and get a slugging third baseman instead of a utility infielder like Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
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LeMahieu brought versatility and elite defense during his seven-year Yankees tenure. A three-time All‑Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, he hit .289 over 1,628 career games, earning batting titles in both leagues.
LeMahieu's clubhouse reputation is solid. In fact there were rumors the Yankees were contemplating the move last year and captain Aaron Judge stepped in to stop it.
In 60 games, he sports a .247 average with 15 home runs, 39 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases, producing an impressive .846 OPS. He earned his second All-Star nod despite battling shoulder soreness that briefly landed him on the IL .
Related: Yankees GM On The Clock After Midseason Report Card
Related: Yankees Rookie of the Year Scheduled to Begin Rehab
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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