NEW YORK — In a surprising but arguably overdue decision, the New York Yankees have prioritized winning over veteran loyalty, a rare move in recent years. On Monday, the team benched DJ LeMahieu, a respected veteran, in what appears to be a permanent shift away from his regular role.

DJ LeMahieu will likely be remembered by many as a solid contributor during his tenure with the New York Yankees. Nicknamed “LeMachine” after arriving from Colorado in 2019, LeMahieu earned a reputation for his consistent offensive production — particularly out of the leadoff spot — and elite, Gold Glove-caliber defense. For several seasons, he was a key figure in the Yankees’ lineup, until injuries began to take their toll.

The decline in LeMahieu’s performance began following significant injuries late in the 2022 season. Since the start of the 2024 campaign, he has struggled offensively, ranking among the least productive hitters not only on the Yankees but across Major League Baseball. His power has diminished, his quality of contact has suffered, and his baserunning ability has noticeably declined. These factors have also impacted his defensive effectiveness.

Due to his limited range, LeMahieu was placed at second base upon returning from the injured list. However, his defensive struggles became apparent, contributing to a broader decline in the infield’s reliability. As a result, the Yankees made the decision to move LeMahieu off second base, reinstating Jazz Chisholm Jr. at the position to stabilize the defense.

When asked about how DJ LeMahieu responded to the news of being moved to the bench, Yankees manager Aaron Boone admitted, “Not great necessarily… That’s kind of the situation we’re in right now”.

For the first time in quite a while, the Yankees appear to be operating with a sense of urgency. The decision to bench LeMahieu reflects a shift toward prioritizing the best possible defensive alignment, which is essential at this stage of the season.

Additionally, the move signals that the Yankees are likely to pursue a third baseman at the trade deadline. Given Oswald Peraza’s limited offensive production, it is difficult to envision the team relying on him at third base for the remainder of the season.