In a recent article from Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, it was revealed that the Yankees are leaving the door open for 36-year-old DJ LeMahieu to potentially earn an everyday starting role in 2025. This could pose significant concerns on several fronts and may jeopardize their ability to replicate last season’s success.
It’s important to note that spring training is still over a month away, and comments from General Manager Brian Cashman and Manager Aaron Boone suggest more of a cautious hope for LeMahieu’s potential contributions rather than a firm commitment to him. Since LeMahieu is still under contract and there are no games in the immediate future, their statements carry little immediate weight, with no guarantees made regarding his role.
If the Yankees are genuinely considering giving LeMahieu playing time, one way to mitigate his struggles could be by platooning him with free-agent infielder Josh Rojas, a suggestion raised by Kirschner as an alternative to internal options.
2024 Statistics: 143 games, 476 plate appearances, .225/.304/.336, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 91 wRC+, 9 Outs Above Average, 1.9 fWAR
2025 FanGraphs Depth Charts Projections: 83 games, 357 PA, .242/.319/.365, 7 HR, 33 RBI, 94 wRC+, 1.2 fWAR
Previous Contract: Earned $3.1 million in the first year of three years of arbitration eligibility, and was non-tendered by the Mariners, making him a free agent.
Rojas was drafted by the Astros in the 26th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, and was traded to the Diamondbacks two years later as part of the package for Zack Greinke. After arriving in Arizona, he made his MLB debut but struggled in his first two seasons, posting a 54 wRC+ in 58 games from 2019 to 2020. However, he improved at the plate in 2021 and 2022, slashing .266/.345/.401 with a 106 wRC+ and a solid 10.7% walk rate, often serving as Arizona’s leadoff hitter.
Unfortunately, Rojas got off to a rough start in 2023, failing to hit a home run in his first 59 games, which contributed to him being traded to the Mariners as part of the deal for closer Paul Sewald. His bat never fully recovered, and over the past two seasons, he has hit just 12 home runs with an 85 wRC+ in 248 games. His walk rate also dropped, as he became more aggressive at the plate, swinging more often and seeing an increase in first-pitch strike rates.
Despite his offensive struggles, Rojas maintained value through his defense, improving from one of the worst infield defenders to one of the best. Between 2023 and 2024, he recorded 15 Outs Above Average at second and third base, ranking alongside Gold Glove-caliber players like Nolan Arenado and Matt Chapman.
In some ways, Rojas mirrors Anthony Volpe, a current Yankees infielder — both are known for their solid defense and less-than-elite bat speed, but their defense helps provide a steady floor of value. When at his best, Rojas excels at being patient at the plate and making solid contact. Despite his subpar offensive production, Rojas ranked in the 84th percentile or better for squared-up rate and chase rate in 2024. If he can become more selective and improve his pitch recognition, he could become a more valuable player.
The question is whether Rojas represents a meaningful upgrade over the Yankees’ internal infield options. His bat is likely similar to that of Oswaldo Cabrera, but with elite defense at third base. One way the Yankees could maximize his potential value is by platooning him with LeMahieu, though this would not necessarily guarantee improved offensive performance. LeMahieu has posted a career 112 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers and a 95 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers, while left-handed hitting Rojas has a career 81 wRC+ against lefties and 95 wRC+ against righties.
While LeMahieu is unlikely to replicate his career averages moving forward, Rojas also seems unlikely to provide enough upside in a platoon role to make him a significant improvement over the internal infield options. This is the reality of the Yankees having to look beyond top-tier free agents, as the remaining players are often those who were non-tendered despite having years of team control left.
The options are limited, but with the front office’s renewed emphasis on defense, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them explore Rojas. However, it seems more likely he will find a better fit elsewhere, such as in Chicago, where he could have the opportunity to regain an everyday role in a lower-pressure environment.
