Spring Training is getting close, and the New York Yankees still haven’t added another infielder. There has been little action from the front office because they have been unable to trade Marcus Stroman. Manager Aaron Boone recently revealed that Jazz Chisholm Jr. would be moving over to second base. As it currently stands, this leaves either DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, or Oswald Peraza to play third base. All three players are far from ideal options to be playing the hot corner. While LeMahieu still has $30 million left on his contract, he has been constantly injured the past four seasons, and the Yankees shouldn’t rely on him in 2025.
A Good Offseason That Still Feels Incomplete
The Yankees have so far had a great offseason. While they lost Juan Soto to the Mets, New York added free agents like Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt. They also traded for Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger. While these moves have been positive, the Yankees offseason checklist still feels incomplete. Manager Aaron Boone recently announced that Jazz Chisholm Jr. would be moving over to second base. This should naturally create a need on the left side of the Yankees infield at third base. With Chisholm Jr. vacating third base, this leaves only DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza to play the position. These options aren’t ideal. However, the Yankees have yet to make a move for a third baseman. This is due in part to them trying to dump Marcus Stroman’s bloated contract.
Third Base Is A Big Question Mark
With how the third base position is currently situated, some believe LeMahieu, Cabrera, and Peraza would battle for the job in the spring. It is presumed that DJ LeMahieu would get the starting job. LeMahieu is an accomplished player, and he has $30 million remaining on the six-year, $90 million deal he signed before 2021. However, despite the pedigree and money remaining on his contract, the Yankees shouldn’t rely on the 36-year-old in 2025.
DJ LeMahieu Has Had An Injury Filled Four Seasons
DJ LeMahieu has been hampered by injuries over the past four seasons. Since 2021, the former batting champion has only appeared in 478 games. Last season, injuries only allowed him to appear in 67 games, and had career lows in many major offensive categories. His injury issues are the reason New York acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. last season and converted him into a third baseman. Given his durability concerns, DJ LeMahieu should no longer be considered an everyday player.
He’s No Longer An Effective Player
To think that the 36-year-old DJ LeMahieu can turn the clock back to 2019 or 2020 would be foolish. Whenever the former Gold Glove winner has been healthy, he looks like a shell of himself on the field. The three-time all-star will be 37 next season and is clearly past his prime. Unfortunately for New York, LeMahieu has either been injured or underperformed for the entirety of the extension he signed in 2020. Given the money left on his contract and the fact he’s no longer an effective player; the Yankees are stuck with him.
The Yankees Would Be Foolish To Believe He Can Play Everyday
At this point in his career, DJ LeMahieu should no longer be an everyday player. Injuries have taken their toll on the former batting champion over the past four years. Unfortunately, he’s no longer an effective player. The only reason the 36-year-old is still around is the money left on his current contract. Ideally, the Yankees would make him try and win the starting third base job this spring. If the team just handed him the job, the position would be in worse shape than when Josh Donaldson graced the Yankees lineup. Relying on him to turn the clock back to 2019 or 2020 isn’t a good plan going forward. Unfortunately for the Yankees, DJ LeMahieu can no longer play at a high level, and the team shouldn’t believe he can still be that kind of player.
For more on baseball, check out Belly Up Sports and follow Eric on Twitter/X. Featured images: Getty Images