Yankees Cut 2-Time Batting Champ DJ LeMahieu
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One MLB insider has labeled the New York Yankees as a potential fit for a Eugenio Suarez trade ahead of the deadline.
LeMahieu was clogging up second base in New York, which needed to be opened up for Jazz Chisholm Jr. to return to his natural position. The Yankees didn't think LeMahieu could handle third, so they cut him loose and ate the last $22 million on his contract.
Though DJ LeMahieu was one of the quietest players in the Yankees' clubhouse — in public, with the media and, to a lesser degree, with his teammates — no one commanded more respect among his peers.
Aaron Boone announced that LeMahieu is no longer viewed as an everyday player. The veteran was not pleased about the change.
The ultimate decision to let the 37-year-old LeMahieu go had to do with the versatility of the roster once it was decided that Jazz Chisholm Jr. would go forward as the starting second baseman instead of LeMahieu. Since he joined the Yankees LeMahieu has played a lot of third base, but he’d begun to find the position too physically taxing.
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On Wednesday, the Yankees designated DJ LeMahieu for assignment even though they still owe him approximately $22 million through next season.
The New York Yankees face a lot of scrutiny for moving on from DJ LeMahieu, but Brian Cashman denied rumors that it was planned.