The New York Yankees are officially moving on from DJ LeMahieu. While the veteran infielder didn’t ask for his release, his seven-year stint in the Bronx has come to an end, and according to MLB Insider Bryan Hoch, the three-time All-Star is not happy with how it ended.
How Did DJ LeMahieu React to the New York Yankees’ Decision?
After the Yankees designated their three-time All-Star infielder for assignment on Wednesday, LeMahieu’s time in pinstripes was over. While LeMahieu didn’t publicly lash out, Hoch reported that the infielder was “not happy” with the team’s decision.
According to Yankees insider Hoch, LeMahieu had “lengthy discussions” with manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman before the DFA decision was finalized. “LeMahieu didn’t ask for his release and is not happy with the outcome,” Hoch wrote.
While the team considered ways to keep the 36-year-old in the clubhouse, including a return to third base, Boone admitted the role had become “too physically demanding” for LeMahieu, given struggles with injuries and declining mobility with age.
Aaron Boone said DJ LeMahieu was willing to begin working at 3B again, but the position had been too physically demanding for him. There were lengthy discussions yesterday and today between LeMahieu, Boone and Brian Cashman. LeMahieu didn’t ask for his release and is not happy…
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) July 9, 2025
LeMahieu had previously been the Yankees’ everyday second baseman. Still, his role shifted after the team moved Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third base to second, demoting LeMahieu to a bench role.
“It’s been a tough couple of days,” Boone said. “Some hard conversations. And then ultimately coming to this decision, conclusion, obviously not easy for [LeMahieu, who’s] been a great player.”
Goodbye DJ LeMahieu.
Thanks for the memories. pic.twitter.com/2izv9Fo1Bn
— Jimmy Randazzo (@JimmyRandazzo) July 9, 2025
“Tough decisions,” Yankees GM Cashman said. “In the end, it ultimately comes down to how this roster sits and what’s best. You want to provide your manager with enough chess moves to deal with on a day-in and day-out basis in-game.”
LeMahieu Contract: How Much Do the Yankees Owe Him After DFA?
The Yankees signed LeMahieu to a six-year, $90 million contract before the 2021 season after he was slugging at .364 during the 2020 campaign. He had also become the first player in the modern era to win a batting title in the American and National Leagues.
On July 10, the Yankees announced his official release, making him a free agent for the first time since 2021. Any team can now sign him at a reduced league minimum salary of $326,881 for the remainder of the 2025 season.
The #Yankees have officially released D.J. LeMahieu, sending him to the open market for the first time since 2021.
The 36-year-old has locked in over $125M earned on the field, and can now be signed at a prorated minimum rate of $326,881 for the rest of 2025.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) July 10, 2025
Per Spotrac, the Yankees won’t be saving much. They must eat up the remaining $30 million on LeMahieu’s contract, covering $15 million in 2025 and 2026. They still owe him $6.45 million for the 2025 season, which totals roughly $22 million.
Why Did the Yankees Release LeMahieu?
LeMahieu’s 2025 production remained an issue after suffering a calf injury in Spring Training. He never bounced back after that, slashing .226/.336/.338 with just two home runs in the field across 128 at-bats.
While he was starting to find some rhythm, hitting .310 since the start of June, the organization had likely made up its mind after his early-season slump.
Further, the Yankees have younger, more athletic infield options like Oswald Peraza. And with Chisholm Jr. locked in at second, Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger splitting time at first, and Giancarlo Stanton occupying the DH spot, the veteran’s opportunities and playing time were considerably reduced.
MORE: Jazz Chisholm Jr. Dismisses Yankees’ Struggles with Bold Take on Losing Culture from His Marlins Days
According to ESPN, Cashman ultimately felt LeMahieu’s presence was hampering strategic flexibility. As a result, the team promoted Jorbit Vivas, a versatile but light-hitting infielder from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, to take LeMahieu’s spot in the order.
In the end, the Yankees made a difficult decision, but LeMahieu could still draw interest from several teams despite his drop in production, particularly playoff contenders looking for veteran depth.