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Yankees DFA three-time All-Star, owe $22 million through 2026
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- Yankees DFA three-time All-Star, owe $22 million through 2026
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The DJ LeMahieu era has come to an end in the Bronx. The New York Yankees designated the three-time All-Star for assignment on Wednesday after manager Aaron Boone said LeMahieu would shift to a bench role.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the Yankees still owe LeMahieu nearly $22 million on a contract that runs through the 2026 season.
LeMahieu spent seven seasons in pinstripes, finishing top-five in American League MVP voting twice (2019 and 2020). He was also a two-time Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove winner, and a 2019 All-Star.
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Following his standout 2020 campaign, the Yankees rewarded LeMahieu with a six-year, $90 million extension. But injuries hampered his production in recent seasons — he's posted an OPS+ above 100 just once since 2021.
"It's been a tough couple days, some hard conversations and then ultimately coming to this decision, obviously not easy for what's been a great player," Boone told reporters, including The Athletic's Chris Kirschner . "He's done a lot of great things for this organization, but at the end, I feel like this is the right thing to do at this time."
It's highly unlikely LeMahieu will be claimed off waivers, and it's not out of the question this could mark the end of the 36-year-old's career.
This season, LeMahieu hit just .220 with a .674 OPS, 91 OPS+, and two home runs over 45 games. Overall, in 15 seasons with the Chicago Cubs , Colorado Rockies and Yankees, LeMahieu slashed .289/.350/.409, with a 100 OPS+ and 126 home runs.
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With LeMahieu off the roster, Jazz Chisholm Jr. will shift back to second base. Orlando Peraza, Jorbit Vivas , and JC Escarra are expected to share time at third.
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