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2mo ago

Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu to Open Roster Spot Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Yankees have absorbed LeMahieu’s $22 million salary to boost infield depth with Oswald Peraza, Jorbit Vivas and JC Escarra before the trade deadline.

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 27: DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees celebrates his seventh inning home run against the San Diego Padres in the dugout with his teammates at Yankee Stadium on May 27, 2023 in Bronx, New York.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 4: DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees reacts after Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees dumped water on him after hitting a walk-off single during the tenth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 4, 2024 in New York City. The Yankees won 4-3.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees looks on in the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 27, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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.