In a stunning shake-up that’s rocking the Bronx, the New York Yankees are making waves by shifting All-Star Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to his natural second base position, leaving veteran DJ LeMahieu’s future with the team hanging by a thread. Manager Aaron Boone dropped the bombshell before Tuesday’s series opener against the Mariners, confirming that Chisholm will take over second base regularly, while LeMahieu, a three-time Gold Glove winner, is relegated to a “bat off the bench” role due to physical limitations.
Boone didn’t mince words about the decision, emphasizing Chisholm’s elite athleticism as the driving force. “I want to get Jazz back there and playing, taking advantage of his athleticism in the middle of the diamond,” Boone said. Despite a recent shoulder issue that hampered Chisholm’s performance at third base, Boone remains confident in his star’s versatility. “I still maintain he can play both positions outstandingly, but letting his athleticism shine at second should serve him—and us—well.”
Chisholm, fresh off his selection as an American League All-Star reserve, has been vocal about his preference for second base. “Everyone knows that’s my best position,” he told The Athletic last month. On Tuesday, he was caught off guard by the lineup change but embraced it with confidence. “Elite defender. Elite slugging. Fast. Great defense. Sounds like a complete player to me,” Chisholm said, grinning. While he’s unsure if the move is permanent, he’s thrilled to settle into one spot after bouncing between second and third this season following a trade from the Marlins and an injury in April.
Meanwhile, LeMahieu’s demotion is a gut punch for the 36-year-old veteran. Once a two-time batting champion and a 2022 Gold Glove utilityman, LeMahieu has struggled this season, posting a lackluster .676 OPS with just two home runs in 142 plate appearances. Boone admitted that LeMahieu’s reduced defensive range and physical challenges make him an unlikely candidate for third base. “He didn’t take it great,” Boone said of LeMahieu’s reaction. “Physically, it’s a challenge for him right now.”
The financial stakes are massive. LeMahieu’s contract carries roughly $22 million in guaranteed money through 2026, including the remainder of this season’s salary and a $15 million commitment next year. If the Yankees opt to designate him for assignment, they’d be on the hook for the full amount—a risky move for a team already eyeing upgrades before the July 31 trade deadline. According to The Post’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees are actively pursuing trade targets like Colorado’s Ryan McMahon to bolster their infield.
Adding to the infield shuffle, Oswald Peraza started at third base on Tuesday but struggled offensively, batting a dismal .154/.225/.262 in 57 appearances. Boone praised Peraza’s “phenomenal” defense but acknowledged his offensive woes, leaving his role uncertain. With Oswaldo Cabrera sidelined for the season due to an ankle injury, the Yankees are thin at third. They’ve recently signed veterans Jeimer Candelario and Nicky Lopez to minor league deals, while Jorbit Vivas and Andrew Velazquez remain options at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Backup catchers Ben Rice and J.C. Escarra have also taken grounders at third, though neither has significant experience there.
As the trade deadline looms, the Yankees’ infield overhaul signals a bold pivot toward youth and athleticism, with Chisholm as the centerpiece. But for LeMahieu, the writing may be on the wall. Will the Yankees cut ties with their veteran star, swallowing his hefty contract, or can he reclaim a role in the Bronx? One thing’s certain: the drama in New York is just heating up.