DJ LeMahieu could have a chance to win a starting job in the Yankees infield

THE New York Yankees are still looking for an infielder, but they may already have their four starters on the roster.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Postthe Yankees’ plan “for now” is to give DJ LeMahieu a chance to win a starting spot in the field.

The versatile LeMahieu has had another season marred by injuries and underperformance, but the team is hoping that if the veteran is healthy, he can recapture some of the success he experienced earlier in his tenure with the Yankees.

That said, LeMahieu turns 37 in July and hasn’t been the same player since re-signing with the Yankees on a six-year, $90 million deal before the 2021 season.

Last year, LeMahieu suffered a fractured foot during spring training and didn’t make his regular season debut until late May. In just 67 games, LeMahieu slashed an anemic .204/.267/.259 with a .528 OPS and just two home runs.

A right hip impingement ended his campaign in the first week of September, and he would not return to the postseason during the Yankees’ run to the World Series.

It’s hard to justify the Yankees leaning on the aging LeMahieu given his injury history and recent track record, but it doesn’t appear the team is going to draft another impactful infielder at this point.

Free agent Alex Bregman and trade candidate Nolan Arenado seem unrealistic for the Yankees at this point.

However, the Yankees have been linked to veteran options such as Jorge Polanco, Brendan Rodgers and Paul DeJong. They also showed interest in Gavin Lux before the Los Angeles Dodgers ultimately traded the second baseman to the Cincinnati Reds.

The Yankees will likely add an experienced infielder capable of playing both second and third base to include in the mix LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza who could all compete in the spring for a starting spot.

The Yankees will have to decide whether to keep Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third base or move him back to his natural position at second base. This is why it makes more sense to call on a candidate who can play both.

When Gleyber Torres left for the Detroit Tigers on a one-year deal worth $15 million, the Yankees lost their second baseman and leadoff hitter. These are two areas the club needs to address, but they may end up looking internally to do so.

Counting on LeMahieu to be the club’s starting third baseman for an entire season is a risk. But it appears he’ll at least have a chance to prove he’s healthy and can still produce heading into the 2025 campaign.

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