Yankees leaders call out 'false' report on DJ LeMahieu roster decision

Now that DJ LeMahieu has been designated for assignment, an old rumor from last year popped back onto the radar—one claiming Yankees captain Aaron Judge and veteran leaders allegedly blocked the team from cutting LeMahieu when Jasson Domínguez came up in September 2024.

But neither Judge nor GM Brian Cashman are buying it.

“That’s all false,” Judge told the New York Daily News Thursday. “I’m a player. I don’t make decisions. That’s more of a front office thing. So I got nothing on that. If they’re listening to what the players are doing, then maybe we should get paid a little bit more to do their jobs too.”

Cashman wasn’t holding back either, labeling the resurgence of the rumor “110% false.”

“None of that’s true,” he said. “LeMahieu went on the IL and took an injection.”

To be clear: There was never a player-led campaign to save LeMahieu’s spot. At the time, he landed on the injured list and the Yankees promoted Domínguez. But the idea that Judge and the veteran group intervened? Judge and Cashman are both firm that the narrative simply didn’t exist.

The story surfaced again this week as LeMahieu lost his roster spot. Judge was clear he loved being LeMahieu's teammate and it was hard to see him leave. Still, he wasn't making roster moves, that's the front office's venue.

LeMahieu finishes his Yankees tenure unceremoniously. He won a batting title in the COVID-pandemic shortened 2020 season and was named an All-Star during his time in pinstripes.

He has been linked to the Seattle Mariners as a possible platoon at first base since getting his release Thursday morning. He is a two-time batting champion with four Gold Gloves.

While the Mariners may have room for him on their roster, he's done with the Yankees. And the Yankees are done with the rumors. The two most prominent Yankee voices are calling it for what it was: a business move, not a player power play.