DJ LEMAHIEU: JUST A BUMP IN THE ROAD?

Every great athlete has an off year. Babe Ruth? Even the Sultan of Swat had a dud season by his standards. Michael Jordan? His Wizards days weren't exactly legendary. And now, DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees’ dependable Swiss Army knife of the infield, has had that year. Last season wasn’t pretty—there’s no sugarcoating it. But before we toss DJ on the pile of former stars, let’s pump the brakes.

LeMahieu, now 36, was riddled with injuries and limited to just 67 games last season. His bat? Let's just say it was more “silent film” than blockbuster. But to anyone ready to pack his bags: remember this man has been a lifesaver for the Yankees. He’s done everything but pitch (and honestly, in some bullpen emergencies, you half-expected him to warm up). It is my opinion that DJ is still the guy you want in the field, a defensive wizard who can seamlessly transition between first, second, and third base like a defensive chameleon.

The Yankees hoped he’d recover from his injuries and reestablish his dominance at the plate. Spoiler: it didn’t happen. His offensive output continued to nosedive, and suddenly, the guy we nicknamed “The Machine” felt more like the lawnmower that won’t start. It wasn’t fun for him, and it wasn’t fun for us.

LeMahieu’s time on the Yankees is a sticking point. His contract is a lot for someone who may not be a regular starter. But let’s not pretend the Yankees are living paycheck to paycheck. They’re the Bronx Bombers, not the Tampa Bay Tightwads. And frankly, the idea of “eating his contract” is easier said than done. Who’s letting $30 million marinate in the garbage disposal?

Here’s where things get spicier. Oswaldo Cabrera has shown flashes of brilliance as the Yankees’ new utility darling. He’s younger, cheaper, and has a swagger that makes him feel like the shiny toy under the Christmas tree. But if Cabrera’s really the golden child, why hasn’t he locked down an everyday spot? Instead, he floats between roles like a part-time barista, which doesn’t scream "future franchise cornerstone."

So, what’s the real issue here? DJ’s diminishing role isn’t just about his performance—it’s about the Yankees’ indecision. Cabrera could take over. LeMahieu could bounce back. But instead, they’re stuck in a weird limbo, hoping the baseball gods make the decision for them. Again, the Yankees are too slow with how they do business.

Now, let’s address the chatter: Will the Yankees cut DJ loose? My hot take? My honest feeling? They won’t. They probably should, from a cold, spreadsheet perspective. But the Yankees aren’t as ruthless as they like to pretend. They’d rather shuffle DJ into a diminished role, use him when needed, and quietly hope he rediscovers some of that 2019 magic.

Also, this is DJ LeMahieu we’re talking about—a guy who gave the Yankees countless moments of brilliance. Baseball has a way of rewarding loyalty (or guilt-tripping teams into keeping fan favorites). Cutting him would feel like yanking off a Band-Aid, and the Yankees aren’t exactly known for their pain tolerance.

LeMahieu might never again be the guy who slashed .327/.375/.518 in his MVP-worthy prime, but let’s give the man some credit. Bad years happen. Injuries heal. And sometimes, players surprise us. The Yankees might not have the spine to let him go, but maybe they won’t need to. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned about DJ LeMahieu, it’s that counting him out is a bad bet.

So here’s hoping the Machine’s gears just need a little oil. Because if DJ proves us all wrong, that $30 million will look like a steal—and the Yankees will be better for it.