The Yankees will be without top star for the early part of the season, but given his declining performance and injury history, his time in New York may be nearing its end regardless.He signed a six-year, $90 million contract with the team in 2021, remains under contract through next season. However, FanSided’s Rucker Haringey has predicted that the Yankees will trade him before his deal expires.
Haringey noted that the only advantage for GM Brian Cashman and his staff is that he has just one guaranteed year left on his contract after this season. This could allow the Yankees to offload his sizable salary by packaging him with a mid-level prospect in a trade. While he might see some playing time if he recovers from injury, Haringey believes it won’t change the downward trend of his career. Moving on from him sooner rather than later would free up a roster spot for a more productive infielder.
A decorated player, LeMahieu is a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, two-time Silver Slugger, and two-time batting champion. However, injuries have limited him to just 67 games last season, and he has begun this season on the injured list. Over the past two seasons, he has posted a .663 OPS. “Unfortunately for the former LSU standout, he’s gone from batting champion to one of the worst starters in baseball,” Haringey wrote.
The Yankees were linked to Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado this offseason, indicating their willingness to move on from LeMahieu. However, his contract remains a financial hurdle to upgrading the position. Trading him could provide the Yankees with the flexibility needed to acquire a top-tier third baseman.
