Yankees $90 Million Veteran Faces Growing Uncertainty Amid Trade Speculation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 1:53 PM ET

The numbers are slipping, and the speculation is growing louder.

DJ LeMahieu is batting just .071 over his last seven games, with one hit in his last 14 at-bats. For the season, he’s slashing .244/.333/.341 with two home runs, nine RBIs, and a .674 OPS across 93 plate appearances. That kind of production isn’t going to quiet trade rumors, especially not with the deadline six weeks away.

This week, ESPN’s Buster Olney put LeMahieu’s name squarely into the spotlight on his podcast this week.

“Look, if you’re thinking about possible change with this lineup, the guy to watch, no question, is DJ LeMahieu,” Olney said. “He’s 36 years old. He turns 37 next month … I think part of the reason the Yankees put Jazz Chisholm at third base when he came off the injured list was they want to maintain flexibility in case they decide to make a change. LeMahieu would be the obvious guy to be dealt if they decide to do that.”

The New York Post’s Joel Sherman had also suggested this earlier this month. Both of those reporters have a long history of reporting on the Yankees and reading the front office tea leaves very well.

LeMahieu is a clubhouse and coaching staff favorite. He's an old-school player who doesn't say much but competes with intensity and passion. He's considered a good teammate.

He also has a track record. A two-time batting champion, LeMahieu's first two years in pinstripes were phenomenal. He's been limited by injuries ever since signing a six-year, $90 million deal.

So, he's been given a lot of chances.

The Yankees shifted Chisholm to third to accommodate LeMahieu, his preferred position at second base. Boone has stayed publicly supportive.

But the contract—$7.5 million owed this year, $15 million more in 2026—is a factor. So is the offense, or lack of it. LeMahieu hasn’t posted an above-average OPS+ since 2022 and hasn’t been fully healthy for long stretches since.

Right now, there’s no indication the Yankees are ready to move on. But Olney’s quote reflects the shift in tone. Patience only lasts so long in a pennant race.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: