Overview
- New York designated LeMahieu for assignment on July 9 and officially released him July 10 after he cleared waivers unclaimed, making him a free agent.
- Under his six-year, $90 million contract, LeMahieu is still owed $22 million, which the Yankees will cover despite his departure.
- Manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman pointed to LeMahieu’s injury-related defensive limitations at third base and recent offensive decline as key factors in the decision.
- The club has promoted Oswald Peraza, Jorbit Vivas and JC Escarra as its primary third-base options moving forward.
- With the roster spot cleared, the Yankees are targeting high-impact external trades to bolster their infield and pitching ahead of the July 30 deadline.