The New York Yankees have had a history of long-term commitments to veterans who turned out to be a bust the second after signing the respective contracts. Last year, the team had to cut ties with Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson, and this year, a similar fate appears to be on the cards for DJ LeMahieu.

The veteran third baseman had a disastrous season marred by injuries and career-low performances. In the latest setback, he was placed on IL earlier this month with negligible return expectations. However, irrespective of the negative narrative, DJ LeMahieu is keen on making a comeback and signing off on a high.

DJ LeMahieu Wants To Be Available For Playoffs!

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees’ infield is firing on all cylinders as the American League Division Series (ALDS) approaches, and veteran DJ LeMahieu is eager to be part of the action. The 36-year-old has been sidelined since September 3 due to a hip injury. But is pushing to be available when the playoffs begin next week. Speaking at Yankee Stadium on Friday, LeMahieu expressed his desire to contribute. “I don’t know if they’ll use me or not, but I’m definitely going to try to be available,” DJ said. Notably, the Yanks secured a crucial victory over the Orioles on Thursday, clinching the AL-East title. This extra time gives LeMahieu more time to recover for the ALDS, which begins next Saturday.

Having said that, New York’s infield is largely settled, with Oswaldo Cabrera backing up Anthony Rizzo at first and Jazz Chisholm and Jon Berti sharing third base duties. However, LeMahieu’s playoff experience and reliability are hard to ignore. Although he’s had a difficult 2024 season, batting just .204 with two home runs in 67 games, he has been a dependable postseason performer, hitting .306 in 16 games during the 2019 and 2020 playoffs. Meanwhile, Yankees manager Aaron Boone was cautiously optimistic about LeMahieu’s availability. “I think the encouraging thing is how he’s feeling, how he’s doing, and his willingness to grind and do everything he can to be an option,” Boone said. However, time appears to be running out for LeMahieu as he possibly has played his final game in pinstripes already despite a running contract till 2026.

Jazz Chisholm Grabs 40 Stolen Bases Milestone

AP
New York Yankees trade deadline recruit Jazz Chisholm Jr achieved a significant milestone with his 40th stolen base of the season, marking a personal and team goal he had been aiming for all year. Reflecting on the accomplishment, he acknowledged its importance. But expressed disappointment over the team’s result in that game against the Pirates.

The speedy infielder’s ability to steal bases has been a key asset for the New York Yankees in the second half of the season. Reaching 40 steals demonstrates not only his speed but also his effectiveness on the base paths. Despite the loss to the Pirates on Friday, Chisholm’s achievement is a reflection of his breakout season. With the playoffs on the horizon, his base-stealing ability could prove crucial in the postseason.