During a community engagement event at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial & Museum, Yankees manager Aaron Boone found himself addressing the pressing question that’s dominated Yankees discourse this offseason: the team’s plans for third base in 2025.

The query emerged mere moments into the evening’s Q&A session, highlighting the mounting concern among the fanbase. Boone, maintaining consistency with his recent WFAN radio appearance, outlined the organization’s current strategy. The plan involves relocating Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, creating a three-way competition for the hot corner between Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and veteran DJ LeMahieu.

While Cabrera’s versatility and Peraza’s potential have generated interest, the spotlight inevitably falls on LeMahieu. The veteran infielder, carrying both a hefty contract and a recent injury history, has become a lightning rod for fan criticism. However, Boone’s steadfast defense of the former batting champion suggests the Yankees haven’t given up on their investment. However, his assurance only echoed the doubts surrounding the Yankees’ retaining of the veteran.

“I think a lot of people are counting out DJ,” Boone said. “It wasn’t long ago when DJ was one of the best hitters in the American League. I just want to remind people that the reason he hasn’t [been] is because he’s not been healthy. With health, we think there’s that great hitter still in there a little bit.”

“There’s no guarantees, obviously,” he added, “but I know how great of a hitter he is. With some health, hopefully he can carve out a role for himself.”

Boone goes back to 2024 spring to be optimism

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When pressed about the last glimpse of LeMahieu’s potential, Boone didn’t hesitate to reference last year’s spring training.

“It was back in spring training of last year,” Boone told NJ Advance Media. “I thought, ‘Man, that looks like DJ.’ He was in such a good spot, came in in really good shape, was ready to go.”

However, fate had other plans. A seemingly routine foul ball off his right foot during Grapefruit League play derailed LeMahieu’s season before Opening Day. The incident sparked a cascade of setbacks that plagued his entire 2024 campaign.

“He was playing catch-up and had some minor things throughout the year that also crept up on him,” Boone explained. “I really think for him, it’s a matter of health. If he’s healthy, there’s no doubt in my mind he can contribute.”

But LeMahieu’s statistical reality bites Yankees

Despite Boone’s optimistic outlook, LeMahieu’s recent statistics tell a tale that pinches Yankees fans. Approaching his 37th birthday, LeMahieu’s 2024 performance was particularly concerning. His .204/.269/.259 slash line across 67 games represented career-low marks. After connecting for a grand slam in Philadelphia on July 31, his power seemingly vanished, managing just one double through the remainder of his abbreviated season, which concluded prematurely due to a right hip impingement in early September.

More troubling is the extended nature of this decline. Over the past two seasons, LeMahieu has posted a combined .232 batting average, accompanied by a .663 OPS and 85 wRC+. These numbers stand in stark contrast to his previous status as a two-time batting champion and one of baseball’s most reliable contact hitters.

The Yankees were reportedly considering the DFA route to get rid of him in 2024. However, the intervention by Aaron Judge saved him.

Boone admits to impact of injuries on the veteran

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Boone specifically highlighted 2022 as a pivotal moment in understanding LeMahieu’s situation.

“I remember the game in Boston where he was at about a .400 on-base percentage, setting the table for [Aaron] Judge, and then he was a shell of himself,” Boone recalled. “He tried to grind through it for the next three, four, or five weeks, and it really depressed his numbers. You look back on that season and you’re like, ‘Oh, it wasn’t that great of a season,’ but he was in the middle of an outstanding season.”

For LeMahieu, the 2025 season looms as a defining moment in his Yankees tenure. As the calendar advances and younger alternatives emerge, the veteran infielder faces mounting pressure to demonstrate his enduring value to the franchise.

Yankees manager admits to taking a gamble

Betting on LeMahieu’s resurgence after multiple injury-plagued seasons represents a significant gamble for the Yankees. However, several scenarios remain possible. A fully healthy spring training could showcase the results of his offseason preparation, potentially leading to strategic deployment options. The Yankees might consider a platoon arrangement at third base, leveraging LeMahieu’s strengths alongside Cabrera, while keeping Peraza in the mix.

“There’s no guarantees, obviously,” Boone conceded while expecting LeMahieu to remain healthy.

Conversely, the organization faces the risk of LeMahieu’s struggles continuing, compounded by potential development plateaus from Cabrera and Peraza. This worst-case scenario could leave a significant void in the lineup – one that might have been addressed through offseason acquisitions.

Another Hicks hiccup?

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The current situation draws striking parallels to the Yankees’ 2023 experience with Aaron Hicks. That offseason, the team opted against addressing left field concerns, instead relying on Hicks despite his age-related decline and injury history. The decision proved costly, culminating in Hicks’ release after just 28 games.

LeMahieu’s situation carries similar financial implications. With $15 million owed annually for the next two seasons as part of his six-year, $90 million contract, the stakes are considerable. The organization’s previous experience with Hicks, who was released while still owed nearly $30 million, serves as a cautionary tale.

While Boone hasn’t dismissed the possibility of additional roster moves, the current market offers limited options. Free agents like Kiké Hernandez or Jose Iglesias present temporary solutions without clear advantages over internal options. Meanwhile, potential trade targets such as Nolan Arenado, Luis Arraez, or Alec Bohm remain unlikely given the team’s payroll constraints.

The Yankees’ faith in LeMahieu represents a significant organizational gambit. Spring training will prove crucial in validating this trust, with health serving as the primary variable. A successful comeback could justify the team’s patience, while continued struggles might force mid-season adjustments.

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