Insider reveals trade deadline test for DJ LeMahieu's Yankees future
Insider reveals trade deadline test for DJ LeMahieu's Yankees future originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
DJ LeMahieu's home run in Sunday night's loss to the Red Sox offered a glimpse of the veteran's offensive spark, but behind the scenes, the New York Yankees are quietly watching a bigger challenge unfold. According to longtime baseball insider Joel Sherman, LeMahieu isn't just competing against opposing pitchers, he's racing against Father Time as well.
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LeMahieu turns 37 on July 13, just three weeks before the trade deadline, and Sherman notes that the window for him to demonstrate his value may be closing fast consistently. While no Yankees official publicly acknowledges this pressure, it is becoming obvious. LeMahieu has until mid-July to prove he can be counted on to contribute at a high level.
"He has a month, maybe a drop more, to show he is still a starting player in whom the Yankees can invest faith," Sherman wrote.
At 37, age begins to factor heavily into a player's ability to be productive. For a team like the Yankees, with championship aspirations, it's a brutal reality. LeMahieu is a two-time batting champion who has shown veteran leadership in that clubhouse for almost six years now.
New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu reacts against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on June 8, 2025. © John Jones-Imagn Images
LeMahieu has a .278 batting average, 76 home runs, 310 RBIs, and 386 runs scored in 692 games since joining the Yankees in 2019. Notably, he won the 2020 AL batting title with a .364 average. However, over the past two seasons, his offensive production has declined as he has been limited by injuries, with a .259 average, one home run, and 8 RBIs in 2025.
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LeMahieu has heavy support in that clubhouse. Aaron Judge calls him one of his most respected teammates. Aaron Boone has backed him all along.
Sunday's homer was a reminder that LeMahieu still has pop and offensive potential, but Sherman's report underscores a quiet urgency around his performance. The Yankees' front office will be closely evaluating every game in this stretch as they decide whether LeMahieu fits into their playoff and offseason plans.
For LeMahieu, the coming weeks aren't just about hitting well or making plays; it's about keeping his career alive.
Related: Yankees Jazz Chisholm, Jr. Shuts Down Red Sox Controversy Ahead of Series
Related: Yankees Closer Pushing Recovery With New Treatment Update
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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