MLB World Reacts to Yankees' Shocking Release of DJ LeMahieu

The 36-year-old was sent to the bench earlier this week by manager Aaron Boone.

DJ LeMahieu was sent to the bench by the Yankees earlier this week. | John Jones-Imagn Images

After deciding to send infielder DJ LeMahieu to the bench earlier this week, the New York Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have designated him for assignment. The shocking move puts an end to his seven-season tenure in the Bronx.

LeMahieu responded "O.K." to the news, according to manager Aaron Boone—who also noted that the 36-year-old did not ask for his release. A three-time All-Star, he had been slashing .266/.338/.336 with two home runs and 12 RBIs this season. A logjam in the infield, however, seemingly forced New York's hand.

Given that LeMahieu has been a staple in this era of Yankee baseball, the MLB was understandably stunned by the news. Here's a look at some of the reactions that came in across social media:

DJ LeMahieu in 195 games from 2019-2020:

.336 AVG (1st in MLB)
36 HR
150 Runs
.386 OBP
.536 SLG
.922 OPS
146 wRC+
8.1 fWAR (6th in MLB)
2 Silver Sluggers
2 Top-4 MVP finishes

His 2nd contract didn’t go how we’d hoped but I’ll never forget prime DJ pic.twitter.com/nhqNREqJkW

— AT (@YankeeWRLD) July 9, 2025

LeMahieu was hitting ball hard but mainly on the ground, swinging and missing more than ever and range at 2b was small. He’s a pro who can still help someone’s bench, but with Stanton only DHing, 3 LHH catchers, LeMahieu made NYY bench too inflexible. https://t.co/CxgRTEFPJu

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 9, 2025

Goodbye DJ LeMahieu.

Thanks for the memories. pic.twitter.com/2izv9Fo1Bn

— Jimmy Randazzo (@JimmyRandazzo) July 9, 2025

DJ LeMahieu did not play a single playoff game during the course of his 6 year $90M contract with the Yankees.

It's the clearest example I've seen of a move where the Yankees front office probably knew a player would regress, but the fanbase wanted him SO bad that they caved.

— Max Mannis (@MaxMannis) July 9, 2025

Sucked how it ended, but will forever remember DJ LeMahieu’s 2019-20 run. DJ was a good Yankee. pic.twitter.com/jFrnoFBpJp

— Khersty (@Kherstyy) July 9, 2025

DJ LeMahieu will be back when AI takes over. He's going to lead the revolution. pic.twitter.com/O4hQAiuKEY

— Yankeesource (@YankeeSource) July 9, 2025

I think DJ LeMahieu got DFA’d pic.twitter.com/qS5W9kqVIJ

— Mariner Mojo (@MojoMariner) July 9, 2025

Reliving DJ LeMahieu’s 2020 Batting Title season.

He was truly The Machine.pic.twitter.com/5Wp0X1rP9r

— Jacob P.M.🌔 (@JacobBSpeaks) July 9, 2025

DJ LeMahieu's 2019-2021 run was awesome.

.364/.421/.590 in 216 PA in 2020.

Injuries played a big part in his regression.

— Yankeesource (@YankeeSource) July 9, 2025

I think I speak for ALL Yankees fans when I say: we want DJ LeMahieu playing on the field EVERYDAY https://t.co/Kh90KUNAbA pic.twitter.com/zGMPdzAfcI

— Sad New York Fan - World Series Runner Up (@SadNYGuy) July 9, 2025

DJ LeMahieu was worth the $ before injuries took over.

.296/.367/.440 for a .807 OPS and 122 OPS+ from 2019-2022 and a Gold Glove

And one of the most clutch home runs in recent Yankee history until Aroldis Chapman wasted it.

Thanks DJ!pic.twitter.com/ZEjeBmljjw

— Mike Dro (@MikeDro_) July 9, 2025

Needed to happen but it’s still a sad day. God Bless DJ Lemahieu!

— Earl Simmons (@YankeesFanEarl) July 9, 2025

LeMahieu signed a six-year extension with New York in 2021 and is still owed $22 million through next season.

---