DJ LeMahieu DFA'd by Yankees amid Struggles, Owed $22M on Contract

The New York Yankees are moving on from DJ LeMahieu after nearly seven years with the team.

According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, the Yankees have designated LeMahieu for assignment with $22 million left on his contract.

"It's been a tough couple days, some hard conversations and then ultimately coming to his decision, conclusion," manager Aaron Boone told reporters. "Obviously not easy for what's been a great player. He's done a lot of great things for this organization. So difficult, but at the end, feel like this is the right thing to do at this time."

In his last healthy season two years ago, LeMahieu tallied 15 home runs and 44 RBI in 136 games, but he hasn't been the same player over the last two campaigns. He played just 67 games a season ago, recording just two homers and 26 RBI.

This season, he has two home runs and 12 RBI with a .266 batting average in 45 games.

The move to part ways with LeMahieu comes after a lineup shakeup saw LeMahieu moved from second base to the bench. Boone said that LeMahieu was not happy about the demotion.

“Not great necessarily,” Boone said of LeMahieu’s reaction, per The Athletic's Chris Kirschner. “That’s kind of the situation we’re in right now.”

With LeMahieu moved to the bench, Boone shifted Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third base to second and put Oswald Peraza at third base.

When asked Tuesday whether LeMahieu could take over at third, Boone said he was physically unable. He added that LeMahieu could be used as a "bat off the bench."

"I think physically it's a challenge for him right now," Boone said. "So right now, no plans of doing that, but we'll see."

Even before moving on from LeMahieu, the Yankees reportedly were eyeing some help at third base. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported last week that the team was "starting to make calls" about a possible solution at third base.

With LeMahieu gone, New York's need for infield help increases.

A three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove Award winner, the 36-year-old LeMahieu played one season with the Chicago Cubs to start his career before spending seven years with the Colorado Rockies.

After calling New York home for the past seven years, LeMahieu will now look to land on another roster and overcome his recent struggles.