The New York Yankees are optimistic that DJ LeMahieu can recover fully and step into the role of starting third baseman for the 2025 season. After Gleyber Torres left via free agency, the Yankees shifted Jazz Chisholm Jr., who had been filling in at third base, to second base, leaving a vacancy at third.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Yankees are counting on LeMahieu to fill that gap. While there was some interest in Alex Bregman, the team has reservations about how well Yankee Stadium would suit him.
LeMahieu, now entering the fifth year of his six-year, $90 million contract, had a tough 2024 season, playing just 67 games due to injuries and missing the playoffs. At his best, LeMahieu is a solid defensive third baseman and an average hitter. However, his 2024 performance was lackluster, with a .204 batting average, 2 home runs, and 26 RBIs, far below his career highs of 26 home runs and 102 RBIs. Injuries have significantly affected his last two seasons, but Yankees GM Brian Cashman is confident that LeMahieu will be healthy and ready for spring training in 2025.
Cashman expressed faith in the veteran infielder’s ability to bounce back, saying, “He’s a pro and will do everything in his power to contribute.” He emphasized that LeMahieu’s focus will be on erasing the struggles of recent seasons and staying healthy.
At 36, turning 37 during the season, questions remain about how much LeMahieu has left in the tank. Nevertheless, his decorated career, which includes three All-Star selections, four Gold Gloves, and two batting titles, speaks to his capabilities when healthy.
Meanwhile, Gleyber Torres has joined the Detroit Tigers on a one-year deal, marking the end of his tenure with the Yankees. In a heartfelt statement, Torres thanked the Yankees organization, teammates, and fans for their support since 2016. Reflecting on his time in New York, he called wearing the iconic pinstripes an honor. In 2024, Torres hit .257 with 15 home runs and 63 RBIs.
