Aaron Boone is insulting Yankees fans’ following his bold statement.
Although the New York Yankees have made some intriguing offseason transactions, third base is still a source of worry. DJ LeMahieu is in the running for the job, much to the dismay of fans. In 2025, LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza are expected to contend for the third starting position.
It’s evident from manager Aaron Boone’s remarks on Friday that the Yankees are still hoping for something from LeMahieu going into the 2025 campaign. Even though the 36-year-old has had a difficult few seasons, they aren’t giving up on the seasoned veteran.
Aaron Boone is still standing up for DJ LeMahieu as the 2025 season draws near.
Boone stated, “I think a lot of people are counting out DJ,” during a Friday night Q&A at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial & Museum. “It wasn’t long ago when DJ was one of the best hitters in the American League.”
DJ Lemahieu was unquestionably a fantastic batter. Here’s the problem, though. That was so long ago. LeMahieu was at the peak of his abilities in 2020, and that was five years ago.
With the Colorado Rockies, LeMahieu won the National League batting championship in 2016. With the Yankees, he earned the American League batting championship in 2020. In his first two seasons in pinstripes, he was a huge asset to the Yankees, and he was still a contributor in 2021, but things have become worse since then. LeMahieu’s contract is still in effect for another two years and $30 million.
LeMahieu slashed in 2024.26 RBI in 67 games with a 204/.269/.259 line. His 2024 season was not very noteworthy, save from a July 31 offensive outburst that featured six runs driven in by LeMahieu against the Philadelphia Phillies. According to recent rumors, when Jasson Dominguez was called up in September, other Yankees veterans stepped in to prevent him from being DFA’d. Rather, LeMahieu was placed on the injured list due to a hip issue, which seemed like a phantom IL long before the most recent rumors surfaced.
Boone continued on Friday, saying that LeMahieu’s hitting difficulties are a result of his poor health. “We believe that great hitter is still there to some extent when healthy.”
For the previous three seasons, LeMahieu has struggled to become and stay healthy. After suffering a foot ailment in 2024 and a toe injury in 2022, he hasn’t been the same. However, when will the Yankees acknowledge that LeMahieu is simply getting older and won’t be returning before the summer of 2022?
Prior to 2024, LeMahieu’s defense hardly ever hurt the Yankees, despite his persistent at-bat issues in recent seasons. Last season, that was different. In 2024, LeMahieu’s fielding also suffered, whether it was due to a mental block brought on by his hitting problems, aging-related skill loss, or both. He isn’t as skilled in the field as he used to be. The Yankees are currently suffering from his play on both sides of the ball.
Fans should be angry at Brian Cashman for not making any attempts to acquire a third baseman, even though they may be outraged with Boone’s insult to their brains by defending LeMahieu in 2025. Boone is using his roster in his capacity as manager. Boone has an obligation to look for something in LeMahieu’s name as long as he is on the roster. Notifying the media that he has been washed won’t make him do anything.
Fans can tell that LeMahieu has had plenty of opportunities, but the Yankees are determined to give him another chance this spring. LeMahieu might find a way to finish his career on a positive note if he continues to be healthy.
