After losing outfielder Juan Soto to the Mets, the Yankees began drastically upgrading their lineup. Starting pitcher Max Fried signed an eight-year, $218 million contract. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt was brought in on a one-year deal as the Yankees may be looking ahead to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s potential free agency. Closer Devin Williams and outfielder Cody Bellinger were added via trade. Soto may have left a significant hole, but the Yankees may be a better team overall.
Third base may be one area where the Yankees are not looking to upgrade. According to Joel Sherman on the “Pinstripe Post with Joel Sherman,” the Yankees are going to “take another look” at DJ LeMahieu at third base. Jazz Chisholm, whom the Yankees acquired to take over at third in 2024, will be shifting to second base.
LeMahieu was not healthy for much of last season. He started the year on the Injured List with a fractured bone in his right foot and ended the year back on the IL due to a hip injury. There was speculation that LeMahieu had played his last game in pinstripes despite being owed another $30 million for the next two years.
He was not productive when he was able to be inserted into the lineup. LeMahieu posted a .204/.269/.259 batting line in his 228 plate appearances, hitting two homers and five doubles. As LeMahieu turned 36 years old during the season, that performance could be the beginning of the end.
The Yankees do have options with LeMahieu if they decide to add a third baseman. He is capable of playing at first, second or third, providing valuable depth on the bench. However, at $15 million per season, the Yankees understandably want more for their investment. If LeMahieu is healthy, he will reportedly get a chance to prove he can still be the answer at the hot corner.