Yankees part ways with three-time All-Star

DJ LeMahieu’s run with the New York Yankees has come to an end.

The Yankees on Wednesday designated LeMahieu for assignment. The 36-year-old had been with the Yankees since signing a 2-year, $24 million contract with them in free agency prior to the 2019 season. The two sides later extended his contract with a 6-year, $90 million deal that runs through 2026. The Yankees have decided to part ways with LeMahieu despite still owing him $22 million from that contract.

LeMahieu began his career great for the Bronx Bombers. He batted .327 with 33 doubles, 26 home runs and an .893 OPS in 2019. He also set career-high marks with 109 runs scored and 102 RBIs that season. The following season he batted a blistering .364 over 50 games in the shortened year.

This season, the second baseman was batting .266 with a .674 OPS in 45 games. Teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr. had indicated to the Yankees that he preferred to play second base rather than third base. That created an issue for LeMahieu, who was apparently unable to play third base. The end result is that the Yankees decided to DFA the former Colorado Rockies.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said LeMahieu did not take the news well.

“It’s been a tough couple days,” Boone said Wednesday. “Difficult, but at the end, feel like this is the right thing to do at the time. Wish all the best for what’s been a great player.”