When the **New York Yankees** signed **DJ LeMahieu** to a two-year, $24 million contract ahead of the 2019 season, few could have anticipated the impact he would make. LeMahieu, a former All-Star with the Colorado Rockies, was seen by many as a versatile piece to complement the Yankees’ star-studded lineup. Over the next two seasons, he far exceeded expectations, emerging as one of the most consistent and reliable hitters on the team. His ability to hit for average, get on base, and play multiple infield positions made him a key cog in the Yankees’ offensive machine.
However, as we approach the 2024 season, four years removed from that initial signing, the Yankees are still waiting for the same level of production that once made LeMahieu one of the most coveted free agents on the market. The 35-year-old infielder’s trajectory has taken an unexpected downturn, and the question now looms large: Can DJ LeMahieu recapture his form, or is his time with the Yankees destined to be remembered as a case of unfulfilled promise?
In this blog post, we’ll look back on LeMahieu’s journey with the Yankees, examine the factors that have led to his struggles in recent years, and explore whether there’s still hope for a turnaround in 2024.
### The Promise of DJ LeMahieu’s Early Years in New York
When the Yankees signed LeMahieu in 2019, they were looking for a reliable, high-contact hitter to provide balance in a lineup that was heavy on power. LeMahieu had built a reputation as a contact-oriented hitter with a career .298 batting average over his first eight seasons, but his best years were often overshadowed by the Rockies’ hitter-friendly home park. Moving to Yankee Stadium, with its short porch in right field, presented the opportunity for LeMahieu to prove he could thrive outside of Coors Field.
And thrive he did.
LeMahieu quickly became a fan favorite in New York, hitting .327 with 26 home runs and 102 RBIs in his first season. His performance in 2019 was a revelation, as he showcased a rare combination of contact, power, and situational hitting. He won the AL batting title, led the team in on-base percentage, and solidified himself as a cornerstone player in the Yankees’ infield.
In 2020, the pandemic-shortened season, LeMahieu continued his success, posting an impressive .364 average and .421 on-base percentage. He was named to his second All-Star team and cemented his reputation as one of the top hitters in the American League. His ability to hit in key situations, whether it was getting on base to start a rally or driving in runs with two outs, made him indispensable to the Yankees’ offense.
After those two stellar seasons, the Yankees rewarded LeMahieu with a six-year, $90 million extension in 2021, hoping that he could continue to be the team’s steadying force in the lineup.
### The Decline: Injuries and Inconsistent Play
However, things started to unravel for LeMahieu after his contract extension in 2021. He wasn’t quite the same player he had been during his first two years with the Yankees. While his defense remained solid—LeMahieu continued to be one of the most versatile infielders in the game, playing second base, first base, and third base—his offense took a noticeable dip.
In 2021, LeMahieu posted a respectable, but underwhelming, .268 batting average with 10 home runs and 57 RBIs. While these numbers were not disastrous by any means, they were a far cry from the .327/.364 slash line he had produced just two seasons earlier. Fans and analysts began to wonder if the 2020 season was an outlier or if LeMahieu was beginning to show signs of decline.
The following season, in 2022, things got worse. LeMahieu battled multiple injuries, including a core muscle issue that required offseason surgery. He struggled mightily at the plate, posting a career-worst .261 batting average with just 12 home runs and 46 RBIs. His on-base percentage also dropped significantly, dipping to just .357. The decline in his offensive production was jarring, especially given how important LeMahieu had been to the Yankees’ success in previous years.
Injuries seemed to be a major factor in LeMahieu’s struggles. His core issue, in particular, impacted his ability to drive the ball with authority, and his batting mechanics suffered as a result. LeMahieu admitted in 2022 that he was not fully healthy for much of the season, which led to a lack of consistency in his swing and approach. Even with his defensive versatility, the Yankees needed LeMahieu to return to being the offensive weapon he had once been in order to justify his large contract.
### The 2023 Season: Glimpses of Hope, but Continued Struggles
Heading into 2023, the Yankees were hoping for a bounce-back season from LeMahieu. The expectation was that after a full offseason of recovery, he would regain his health and return to being one of the team’s most reliable hitters. However, while LeMahieu showed some signs of life early in the season, the overall results were underwhelming.
In 2023, LeMahieu finished with a .242 batting average, 12 home runs, and 46 RBIs—almost identical numbers to what he posted in 2022. His struggles were compounded by a lack of timely hitting and an inability to consistently get on base in key moments. There were brief stretches where LeMahieu looked like he was getting back to form, but those moments were often followed by extended slumps that left fans and analysts wondering whether the player they saw in 2019-2020 was gone for good.
One of the biggest issues for LeMahieu in 2023 was his inability to drive the ball with authority. His slugging percentage remained well below his peak levels, and his exit velocity dropped significantly. His offensive profile became more contact-based but lacked the power and extra-base hits that made him a dangerous force earlier in his career. Given the Yankees’ reliance on power and run production, LeMahieu’s diminished output hurt their ability to compete with some of the AL’s top teams.
### The Yankees’ Dilemma: Can LeMahieu Bounce Back in 2024?
As we move into 2024, the Yankees find themselves in a precarious situation with LeMahieu. He’s still under contract for the next three seasons, and while his defensive versatility remains valuable, the team desperately needs him to return to form offensively. With an aging roster and an increasingly competitive American League, the Yankees need LeMahieu to be a reliable bat in the middle of their order if they’re going to contend for a championship.
The hope for a LeMahieu resurgence in 2024 is rooted in several factors. First, the Yankees have revamped their hitting approach under the tutelage of new hitting coaches, focusing on player health, mechanics, and launch angles. A healthier, more balanced approach could be just what LeMahieu needs to regain some of the power and consistency he had earlier in his Yankees career.
Additionally, LeMahieu’s defensive versatility could continue to be an asset, especially if injuries force the Yankees to shuffle players around the infield. However, for LeMahieu to be truly effective, he must find a way to contribute offensively—whether that means returning to his high-contact, high-OBP days or reestablishing some semblance of power.
### The Final Verdict: Still Hoping for a Resurgence
As the Yankees enter the 2024 season, it’s clear that they are still hoping to get something significant out of DJ LeMahieu. While there are legitimate concerns about his recent decline and injury history, the team has shown that it values his leadership, experience, and versatility. The question now is whether LeMahieu can return to his former All-Star level of play or if his decline is irreversible.
If LeMahieu can stay healthy and adapt his approach at the plate, there’s still hope that he can contribute meaningfully to the Yankees’ lineup. However, the clock is ticking, and with the team’s window for contention narrowing, the pressure is on for LeMahieu to show that he can still be the player the Yankees signed four years ago. For now, the Yankees remain hopeful that the DJ LeMahieu of old will reemerge—if only for one more season.