Aaron Boone has received criticism from every direction. The New York Yankees’ decision to start DJ LeMahieu at third base has sparked outrage among fans and sports talk radio hosts. LeMahieu is coming off the worst season of his 14-year MLB career. He will turn 37 this season, and lingering injuries have certainly hampered his performance.
However, Boone remains confident in the two-time batting champion. During a meeting with supporters in New Jersey, the Yankees manager defended LeMahieu and the choice to give him a chance this season, according to Max Goodman of Nj.com.
“I think a lot of people are counting out DJ,” Boone said. “Not long ago, DJ was one of the top hitters in the American League. I just wanted to remind everyone that the reason he hasn’t is that he hasn’t been healthy. In terms of health, we believe there is still a tremendous hitter in there somewhere.”
LeMahieu won the American League hitting title five years ago. He batted.364 in 50 games during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. LeMahieu missed games due to COVID-19 that season. He also won the National League batting title in 2016, hitting.348 in 146 games for the Colorado Rockies. Boone is accurate that LeMahieu was one of the best hitters of his era; just ask the defenses that attempted to shift on him. The worry is that time has passed.
LeMahieu hit.204/.269/.259 in 67 games last season. His season began with a foot injury and concluded with a right hip impingement in early September. Boone is a player’s manager who admires LeMahieu. He will always openly back him. The team will not simply cut relations with a player with two years and $30 million remaining on a $90 million contract. Boone and LeMahieu understand that this spring is essential, and he must demonstrate his ability to play on a consistent basis.
“There’s no guarantees, obviously,” Boone said, “but I know how good a hitter he is. With some health, he hopes to carve out a role for himself.”
