The second baseman for the New York Yankees, DJ LeMahieu, has quickly become one of the best Major League Baseball players of his time from both the dish with his bat as well as the diamond with his glove. After approximately a dozen seasons with either a 1 or 2 year deal, the big hitting right hander finally was signed to a new contractual agreement that he absolutely deservers.

The New York Yankees just inked LeMahieu to a six year $90 million contract, and all of that money he recently earned is fully guaranteed as well. The highly talented and reliable utility player will now average $15 million per Major League Baseball season, and DJ is now scheduled to remain in the Bronx wearing pin stripes through the conclusion of the 2026 MLB season. LeMahieu is currently set to become an unrestricted free agent once again in 2027.

Baseball Background

DJ LeMahieu was born in Visalia, California, but his family ended up moving to Madison, Wisconsin during his middle school years. The LeMahieu’s then moved to the state of Michigan where DJ attended Brother Rice High School which was located in Bloomfield Township of Oakland County, Michigan. He excelled as both a shortstop as well as a pitcher for his high school’s baseball team, and he began catching the eye of some big league scouts as an upper classman.

The Detroit Tigers selected LeMahieu in the 41st round of the 2007 MLB draft, but DJ decided not to sign with the Detroit Tigers in order to become a Louisiana State University Tiger instead. He went on to compile outstanding statistics throughout his two years of college ball in Baton Rouge, LA, and then he realized that he was finally ready to transition into the professional baseball landscape at that point.

Professional Baseball Career

 The Chicago Cubs picked LeMahieu with the 79th overall selection in the second round of the 2009 MLB draft. DJ spent the majority of his time with the Chicago Cubs in the minor leagues, but he did make it to the show on a few occasions with the Cubbies. On December 8th, 2011 LeMahieu as well as Tyler Colvin were traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Casey Weathers and Ian Stewart.

Throughout the course of his MLB career with the Colorado Rockies LeMahieu displayed his versatility by playing a number of infield positions when his number was called to fill in for fallen or struggling teammates. DJ did not disappoint at the plate either as he is considered one of the game’s best all around hitters. He can hit for average, power, and for RBI’s when clutch situations present themselves.

LeMahieu eventually ended up in New York prior to the 2019 Major League Baseball season after signing a 2 year $24 million contract with the Yankees. Ever since then DJ has been racking up the accolades while gaining the respect of his peers as well as the public baseball community.

“LeMahieu finished third in the American League MVP voting after winning the AL batting title with an MLB-leading .364 average during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, becoming just the fourth player in Yankees history to lead the majors in that category, along with Mickey Mantle (.353 in 1956), Joe DiMaggio (.381 in 1939) and Lou Gehrig (.363 in 1934),” according to the fine sources at ESPN.

Over the course of his 10 year career in the majors, LeMahieu has batted for an average of .305 while compiling 85 home runs, 478 runs batted in, and 83 stolen bases. He seems to be entering his prime at the moment, and the New York Yankees were wise to lock him into his first ever long term MLB contact. Look for DJ to continue to impress the baseball world by helping lead the Yankees back to the promise land.

DJ LeMahieu’s Career MLB Achievements, Honors, and Awards

  • 3 Time MLB All Star (2015, 2017, 2019)
  • 2 Time All MLB First Team (2019, 2020)
  • 3 Time Gold Glove Award (2014, 2017, 2018)
  • 3 Time Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award (2013, 2017, 2018)
  • 2 Time Silver Slugger Award (2019, 2020)
  • 2 Time Batting Champion (2016, 2020)
  • Fielding Bible Award (2017)

Media Statements

 “If you add up the last two years in Major League Baseball, he’s on the short list of short lists for being the best player in the sport,” says the New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone following the regular season. “He’s been that impactful. In the biggest moments, he always seems to deliver.”