...
By Aaliyan Mohammed
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Yankees will not have DJ LeMahieu for the early stages of the season, but his decline and injury history could indicate his time in New York is coming to an end anyway.
LeMahieu signed a six-year, $90 million contract with the Yankees in 2021. He is under contract through next season, but FanSided's Rucker Haringey predicted the Yankees would trade him before his contract expires in a story in which he outlined Yankees who were playing their final seasons in the Bronx.
...
Read More on MLB
"The only silver lining for GM Brian Cashman and his staff is that LeMahieu only has one guaranteed left on his contract after this season," wrote Haringey. "That opens up the possibility that the Yankees can find a taker for his bloated salary if they attach a middling prospect to him in a trade. The franchise might find some at-bats for LeMahieu this year if he gets healthy but it's not going to reverse the downward trajectory of his career. The sooner his days in the Bronx are done the sooner his roster spot can be devoted to a more productive infielder."
LeMahieu is a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glover, two-time Silver Slugger and two-time batting champion. However, he played in just 67 games last season and has once again started the season injured. He has a .663 OPS in the last two seasons.
"Unfortunately for the former LSU standout, he's gone from batting champion to one of the worst starters in baseball," wrote Haringey.
The Yankees were rumored to be interested in Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado this offseason. They could be ready to move on from LeMahieu, but his contract makes it tough to pay for an upgrade. Trading him could finally give the Yankees the financial flexibility to find an elite third baseman.
More MLB: Glaring Hole Exposed In Reds' Roster; Potential Solutions Remain Scarce
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines