It was a move that was a long time coming, yet it still somehow feels abrupt.
On Wednesday, the New York Yankees designated DJ LeMahieu, their three-time All-Star second baseman, for assignment. In a corresponding move, infielder Jorbit Vivas was recalled from Triple-A.
Jorge Castillo of ESPN was among the first to report the news of the transaction.
LeMahieu was in year five of the six-year, $90 million extension he signed after his brilliant 2020 campaign with the Yankees. He’s still owed over $22 million, making it nearly impossible that a team will claim him on waivers.
Because he has well over the requisite five years of service time, LeMahieu can elect free agency if he passes through waivers unclaimed, or if the Yankees don’t find a trade partner to recoup some sort of value for him, likely in the form of cash considerations.
LeMahieu was excellent for the Yankees for two years, okay for three, and abysmal for two. On the whole, assuming his career in the Bronx is over, he would finish his time as a Yankee with a .278/.351/.412 slash line, one All-Star appearance, a Gold Glove, and two Silver Slugger Awards.
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In 2025, though, LeMahieu slashed .266/.338/.336 and was worth -1 out above average at second base. His presence there was relegating All-Star second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. to third base, where he’s a much worse defender.
When Chisholm was moved back to second for Tuesday’s game, LeMahieu’s future with the Yankees was clearly cast into doubt. But having him gone from the roster no more than 24 hours later is still somewhat shocking.
It may not be the end of LeMahieu’s major league journey, but it will be a tough road back to finding consistent playing time.
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