‘It’s easy to feel good’: DJ LeMahieu knows the Yankees need him to prove it

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DJ LeMahieu went two months this offseason without picking up a bat, marking the longest stretch of his career without swinging. For the 36-year-old New York Yankees infielder, the break was a necessary step in his ongoing effort to stay healthy and contribute to the Yankees’ lineup.

“It was the longest I’ve ever gone without swinging,” LeMahieu said Tuesday morning at Steinbrenner Field. “It’s easy to feel good in January.”

LeMahieu focused on staying healthy, competing for Yankees’ third base job

LeMahieu has battled injuries over the past two seasons, limiting his production and availability. A two-time batting champion, he struggled through foot and toe injuries that impacted his ability to contribute at the plate. The veteran, entering the fourth year of a six-year, $90 million contract, admitted the setbacks have weighed on him.

“I’ve lost a lot of sleep over it,” LeMahieu said. “It’s tough to be a guy the team can’t always count on. I’ve always taken pride in being available. But my passion for this team hasn’t changed. That keeps me going.”

The Yankees expressed optimism about LeMahieu’s health last spring before he fouled a ball off his foot in March, suffering a non-displaced fracture. A year earlier, a broken toe and torn ligament late in the 2022 season hindered his performance. Over the past two seasons, he has batted .232 with a .663 OPS in 203 games.

“For most of my career, I played unless my leg was cut off,” LeMahieu said. “I didn’t go to the training room. I just strapped it on and played. But these last few years, minor things have turned into bigger issues. That’s been the frustrating part.”

LeMahieu has a chance to reclaim the Yankees’ third base job, a key position for a club seeking consistency in its infield.

“It’s the same game I’ve played for a long time; it’s just been harder,” he said. “But my passion for doing special things on the field and helping this team hasn’t wavered. I feel good right now—I just have to keep it that way.”

With two years and $30 million remaining on his contract, LeMahieu’s ability to stay on the field could be critical for the Yankees in 2025.

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