LeMahieu still has two years left on the original six-year, $90 million deal he originally signed with the club in 2021 and is still owed $22 million until the end of the 2026 season.
The team recalled infielder Jorbit Vivas from Triple-A in place of LeMahieu.
“I made the decision that I thought was best for us as we move forward,” said Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman. “He’s a great player, he’s a great person. He’s done great things here. Obviously, the last few years have not been what he or we hoped for here, but that’s also part of the game.”
For those new to baseball, "designated for assignment" means that the Yankees now have a week to decide what to do with LeMahieu. They can trade him to another team, place him on waivers, or outright release him.
If LeMahieu is placed on waivers, whatever team claims him will have to undertake the remaining amount owed on his contract. However, if no team claims LeMahieu, the Yankees can send him down to the minor leagues; however, since LeMahieu has more than five years of MLB service time, he can ultimately elect to be released so he can sign with another team rather than being sent to Triple-A.
In 45 games this season, LeMahieu has slashed .266/.338/.336 with two home runs and 12 RBI. The 36-year-old only played in 67 games last season and has been dealing with nagging injuries for years, dating back to 2020.
The three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and four-time Gold Glove recipient won the Batting Title in 2016 (.348 batting average) as a member of the Colorado Rockies and in 2020 (.364) with the Yankees.
The 15-year veteran has amassed 1,772 career hits in 1,673 games while posting a .289/.350/.409 slashline.
He did not play in a single playoff game for the Yankees after signing his six-year deal.