It’s been simply two days for the reason that Yankees formally launched veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu, however that hasn’t stopped him from making an attempt to get again onto the sector. Jon Morosi of MLB Community reported earlier at this time that LeMahieu was trying to signal with a staff to complete out the 2025 season, and has subsequently reported that a number of groups are exhibiting curiosity within the veteran’s providers. There’s no indication {that a} deal is shut right now and it’s unclear whether or not that curiosity is in including LeMahieu on a giant league deal or a minor league pact, however Morosi provides that LeMahieu being accessible earlier than commerce season picks up in earnest may work in his favor as he searches for a brand new membership.
Simply in the future shy of his thirty seventh birthday, LeMahieu’s numbers have been satisfactory if unexciting this yr. He slashed .266/.338/.336 (94 wRC+) with underlying metrics to match in 142 plate appearances throughout 45 video games for the Yankees this yr previous to his DFA whereas enjoying second base completely. His Fielding Run Worth of 0 and Outs Above Common of -1 this season counsel his protection on the keystone is only a tick under common at this level in his profession, although that’s a far cry from the Gold Glove caliber protection he was able to in his youthful days. Nonetheless, the mix of barely under common offense and protection needs to be sufficient to make him a horny candidate for a part-time or bench position with a staff in want of assistance on the infield.
LeMahieu could be extra engaging as a job participant for a contending membership if he was able to offering substantial versatility, however there are questions on his means to deal with third base at this level in his profession. As Bryan Hoch of MLB.com famous following the Yankees’ choice to half methods with the veteran, LeMahieu expressed throughout this previous offseason considerations about his means to deal with the bodily calls for of third base and expressed a choice for remaining on the precise aspect of the infield in 2025. Morosi advised that LeMahieu could be greatest suited to play for a staff that will be capable to work him in at some mixture of second base, first base, and DH, which may point out that considerations about his means to play the recent nook stay.
Given LeMahieu’s vital harm struggles lately, it will be comprehensible if he wasn’t Alternatively, supervisor Aaron Boone advised reporters (together with Hoch) that LeMahieu had expressed a willingness to renew exercises at third base if the Yankees requested he return to the place. If LeMahieu can show himself able to dealing with third base, that will certainly assist his market. Groups like Cubs and Reds have gamers entrenched at second base at present however vast open enjoying time accessible on the scorching nook. LeMahieu would certainly be of curiosity to these golf equipment if he may deal with occasional time at third base, however wouldn’t make practically as a lot sense if he’s restricted to the precise aspect of the infield.
Even when LeMahieu stays unable to deal with the recent nook, there ought to nonetheless be a number of groups that will profit from his providers. The Royals are at present counting on Nick Loftin on the keystone on a semi-regular foundation, whereas Luis Rengifo may profit from somebody to assist him shoulder the load at second for the Angels after a troublesome first half that’s left him as one of many least efficient certified hitters in baseball this yr. The Astros, Giants, and A’s are amongst a handful of different golf equipment who’ve struggled to get manufacturing at second base this yr, however every has lately put in new choices on the place who could possibly be preferable to LeMahieu: Houston has promoted high prospect Brice Matthews, whereas each West Sacramento’s short-term ball membership has simply welcomed Zack Gelof again from the injured listing whereas San Francisco did the identical with Casey Schmitt.
