As the Yankees eye a postseason berth, the persistent struggles of DJ LeMahieu pose a significant concern. If LeMahieu continues to receive everyday reps, there’s a looming risk of a glaring weakness in the batting order.
The Yankees Should Be Concerned About DJ LeMahieu
Despite his status as a utility infielder, the 36-year-old LeMahieu’s output this season has been less than stellar. Over 36 games and 135 plate appearances, he is batting a paltry .188/.284/.214, without a single home run and just 11 RBIs. Although his strikeout (15.6%) and walk rates (11.1%) are reasonable, his weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) of 52 indicates he is performing 48% below the league average hitter, making him a significant liability in the lineup.
Exploring Alternatives at Third Base
With the month of July mirroring his ongoing struggles and a dismal performance in June, the Yankees are at a crossroads regarding their strategy for third base. The decision is whether to give prospect Jorbit Vivas a shot at proving himself or to seek a trade before the deadline.
Unfortunately, trade options are limited. The Colorado Rockies recently removed Ryan McMahon from the trade market despite his below-average historical performance and current career season, which could have been an opportune time to capitalize on his value.
The Case for Jorbit Vivas
Promoting Vivas could be a wise move for the Yankees. The 23-year-old was impressive at Triple-A Scranton before his promotion, hitting .258/.404/.424 with five home runs and several RBIs over 37 games. While not known for his power, Vivas exhibits strong plate discipline, demonstrated by his 17.2% walk rate and 18.3% strikeout rate. His experience at both third and second base, coupled with his left-handed batting, adds a desirable diversity to the Yankees’ predominantly right-handed infield.
Future Decisions and Trade Deadline Pressures
Ultimately, the Yankees must consider redefining LeMahieu’s role, potentially transitioning him back to a utility player rather than an everyday starter. His career-high 57.7% ground ball rate this season is not conducive to offensive rallies, especially in a high-stakes playoff environment.
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With the trade deadline approaching, General Manager Brian Cashman faces mounting pressure to make a significant move to bolster the team’s chances. The next two weeks are likely to be filled with rumors and potential shifts in strategy as the Yankees prepare for a critical phase in their season.