Boone’s infield moves spark fresh questions about Yankees’ direction

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The New York Yankees shook up their infield alignment on Saturday. But manager Aaron Boone’s latest switch leaves more questions than answers as the team searches for defensive stability.

Cody Bellinger was slotted at first base, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. remained at third — a configuration that highlights ongoing uncertainty surrounding D.J. LeMahieu’s role at second and Chisholm’s most effective positioning.

Aaron Boone’s decision to keep Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third base while DJ LeMahieu mans second base has backfired spectacularly, contributing to the New York Yankees’ stunning collapse from division leaders to playoff contenders fighting for their postseason lives. The controversial positional alignment has become a symbol of the Yankees’ defensive struggles and questionable roster management as the team has lost 15 of their last 20 games.

However, the Yankees manager is now tinkering with settled first base, instead of making changes where it is needed the most. Though he hinted at such a posssibility earlier, nothing is seen on the field.

Chisholm sticks at third unhappy, unsettled

When the Yankees acquired Chisholm last summer, the expectation was to form a dynamic middle infield duo with Anthony Volpe base at second. But Chisholm has started 84 of his 115 games at third base — not second — since joining New York, including postseason contests.

The latest alignment continues that trend. With Bellinger at first and Chisholm at third, the second base assignment remains unconfirmed. Fans and analysts question whether this setup maximizes Chisholm’s defensive strengths.

When Chisholm returned from his oblique injury in early June, Yankees management faced a clear choice: position their players where they perform best defensively, or accommodate the aging LeMahieu’s contract and comfort level. They chose the latter, moving Chisholm from second base to third base despite his clear preference and superior performance at his natural position.

The statistics paint a damning picture. Chisholm posted +3 Outs Above Average at second base compared to -2 Outs Above Average at third base this season. Meanwhile, LeMahieu’s declining range at second base has become increasingly apparent, with the 36-year-old struggling to cover ground that would be routine for younger players.

Even Chisholm has sounded out his unhappiness over the change.

“Everybody knows I’m a second baseman. Of course, I want to play second base, but whatever it takes to help the team win,” Chisholm told reporters, his frustration barely concealed. “I’m playing every day, so it’s hard to be upset. Yes, I know I’m a second baseman. Yes, I know I’m better at second base, but at the end of the day, I still have to play third.”

Questions mount over Boone’s experiment

The Yankees’ defensive woes have become a central talking point as the team’s season teeters on the brink. All four Yankees starting infielders currently have negative Outs Above Average ratings, a stunning indictment of the organization’s defensive priorities.

Boone’s explanation for the positioning has been unconvincing.

“I think both guys are really talented defenders wherever they line up,” he said when pressed about the alignment. “We’ll continue to look at things like that.”

Expert analysis has been scathing. YES Network’s David Cone repeatedly emphasized Chisholm’s superior comfort level at second base, calling him “probably a Gold Glove second baseman.” FanGraphs contributor Jay Jaffe wrote: “The Yankees entered this past offseason resolved to get better defensively after their embarrassing World Series loss to the Dodgers. But as the calendar flips to July, here they are, willingly playing two negatives on their infield on a daily basis.”

The Numbers tell the Yankees story

The Yankees’ recent struggles coincide directly with their defensive breakdowns. During their devastating 4-game sweep by Toronto in late June, defensive miscues proved costly in multiple games. Chisholm’s 6 errors in 28 games at third base have contributed to key losses, including a deflating 12-5 defeat where his throwing error opened the floodgates.

Meanwhile, LeMahieu’s offensive production has cratered alongside his defensive decline. The former AL batting champion is hitting just .266 with two home runs in 126 at-bats this season, making his $15 million annual salary through 2026 appear increasingly burdensome.

The financial implications cannot be ignored. The Yankees’ reluctance to bench LeMahieu appears driven by his contract rather than performance, a concerning trend for an organization with championship aspirations. The team’s defensive metrics have plummeted, with Yankees infielders combining for a measly +1 Outs Above Average ranking, good for just 12th in MLB.

Defensive missteps prompt concerns

Saturday’s move follows a rocky stretch defensively. In Wednesday’s 11-9 loss to Toronto, Chisholm committed a throwing error on a slow roller, a misplay that extended the inning and led to a three-run homer.

LeMahieu, too, was involved in the defensive breakdown, allowing a low liner to pass him at second in the eighth inning. That sequence typified the growing range concerns around his transition back.

Why defensive versatility matters for Yankees

Despite growing pains, Chisholm does offer positional flexibility. He posted eight Outs Above Average at third base last season, and his experience in multiple roles might be an asset at the trading deadline.

With trade deadline rumors swirling around the Yankees, Chisholm’s mobility could free them to pursue an infield bat without being locked into Chisholm’s placement. Boone emphasized:

“I think both guys are really talented defenders, wherever they line up. We’ll continue to look at things like that.”

Is this temporary or a new normal?

Boone’s hesitancy to finalize the alignment suggests the move could be temporary. Athleticism, chemistry, and consistency will likely guide the final decision. But another scenario could unfold: the Yankees bring in a veteran infielder, offering a clearer template that forces a permanent positional shuffle.

Boone’s infield decision represents more than just positional management—it’s emblematic of the Yankees’ broader struggles with accountability and optimal roster construction. The manager’s loyalty to veterans and reluctance to make uncomfortable decisions has come at the cost of defensive efficiency and team performance.

As the Yankees fight to salvage their season, the infield alignment that was supposed to provide stability has instead become a symbol of organizational dysfunction. With playoff positioning hanging in the balance, Boone’s latest move may ultimately define not just the 2025 season, but his tenure as Yankees manager.

The question isn’t whether change is needed—it’s whether the Yankees will make the necessary adjustments before their championship window closes entirely.

This infield shuffle sends fans a clear message: the Yankees value adaptability, but they haven’t yet committed to a definitive plan. As the July 31 trade deadline looms and losses accumulate, maintaining a flexible lineup may serve the present — but sooner or later, Boone and the front office must chart a course before infield confusion becomes a season-long storyline.

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