Yankees predicted to add unexpected DJ LeMahieu replacement

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Yankees predicted to add unexpected 21-year-old DJ LeMahieu replacement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated May 30, 2025 5:57 PM ET

The Yankees are enjoying a hot start to the season, riding a five-game winning streak to a record 15 games above .500.

The Bombers have relatively few question marks at this point in the season. Due to smart call-ups of Jasson Dominguez, Ben Rice as well as free-agent signings of Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, the Yankees have found themselves with too much depth at first base and designated hitter.

One area they need depth is at second base, where the carousel of D.J. LeMahieu, Jorbit Vivas and Oswald Peraza has disappointed so far.

An ESPN prediction has the Yankees filling that need in a surprising manner.

The most recent mock draft from ESPN's Kiley McDaniel has the Yankees selecting Tennessee infielder Andrew Fischer, listed as a third baseman who will likely slide to first base.

McDaniel writes that Fischer is "sneaking up the board" as a pure hitter with the SEC powerhouse. Fischer, who hails from Manasquan, New Jersey, has hit 22 home runs and 55 RBI in 59 starts for the Volunteers.

McDaniel likened Fischer to fellow collegiate ballplayers Ike Irish (C/OF, projected No. 22 to Kansas City) and Ethan Conrad (OF, projected No. 29 to Arizona) for his hitting ability, but said Fischer has the least defensive value out of the three players.

Fischer may profit from the high demand for SEC-proven hitters, as the league does continue to generate swaths of big league talent.

The Yankees may look to add Fischer to their deepening roster of infield prospects including George Lombard Jr. (ETA 2027), Roderick Arias (2027), Rafael Flores (2026) and Roc Riggio (2026).

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

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