DJ LeMahieu Projected to Retire After Yankees Decision
Despite several setbacks this year, the New York Yankees have remained determined to field a winning team.
Even after spring training saw the loss of Gerrit Cole for the year, closer Devin Williams exhibited brutal command issues and a harsh midseason slump drove the team down in the standings, the Yankees have remained committed to making a playoff push. That was evident in the win-now acquisitions made at the trade deadline. And it was clear when the team opted to release two-time batting champion DJ LeMahieu.
The Yankees designated LeMahieu for assignment despite owing him about $22 million when it became clear the team would be better served without him in the lineup. That move was harsh, but injuries had clearly taken their toll on the infielder.
"LeMahieu quickly became a fan favorite upon his arrival in 2019, developing a reputation for clutch hits on a team that reached the ALCS," Jake Elman wrote for FanSided. "The issue, as Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters, is that LeMahieu's hip and calf injuries made playing third base difficult."
After clearing waivers, LeMahieu has been available for a new deal in the majors, but no team has struck an agreement with him. And Elman projected that LeMahieu "won't play another MLB game" after his release.
Though his injuries seem to have grown worse in recent seasons, that would be a precipitous fall for a player who was so recently the best hitter in the sport.
"The 37-year-old LeMahieu hit .289 with 126 home runs and a .759 OPS across 15 seasons," Elman added. "Not only did he total 30.6 bWAR, but he remains the only player in MLB history to win the batting title in both leagues; LeMahieu hit .348 for the 2016 Colorado Rockies and .364 for the Yankees in the COVID-shortened 2020 season."
Now, LeMahieu might not get the chance to log even one more hit for his career.
Andy Reid is speaking out after a shocking incident with Teair Tart in the Chiefs vs. Chargers game.
The clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 left fans and analysts buzzing, but it wasn’t just the final score that captured attention—it was a controversial moment involving Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart and Chiefs star Travis Kelce. Tart, who had been battling Kelce throughout the game, made headlines after slapping the Chiefs' tight end during a play, sparking outrage and leaving fans and analysts questioning why no penalty was called.
Despite the incident occurring in plain sight, Tart wasn’t ejected from the game, and no flag was thrown by the officials. The moment became a flashpoint for Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who openly questioned the referees’ decision to let the slap slide. But Tart, unfazed by the scrutiny, fired back with a bold statement: “If the refs aren’t going to call it, I will. You don’t just slap a guy and get away with it.”
The exchange between Tart and Kelce was the type of heated, high-stakes moment that often defines divisional matchups in the NFL. Kelce, who is a key offensive weapon for the Chiefs, was visibly shaken after the slap, though he managed to shake it off and continue playing. Tart’s actions, however, raised serious questions about sportsmanship and whether such conduct should be tolerated in the game.
Tart’s defiant response indicates he’s not backing down from the heat. “I didn’t mean any disrespect, but if I’m going to make a statement, it’s going to be felt,” Tart added. “That slap was intentional, but it wasn’t anything personal. I’m here to compete and win.”
While Tart’s words could be seen as an admission of guilt, they also reflect the intensity and fire he brings to every play. The NFL is no stranger to on-field altercations, but Tart’s defiance in the face of potential disciplinary action is a rare moment of unapologetic aggression.
For the Chargers, the question remains: should Tart face consequences for his actions? NFL officials are currently reviewing the incident, and while it’s unclear whether Tart will face any sanctions, it’s clear the league must take a hard look at its officiating and enforcement of player conduct during games.
For Reid and the Chiefs, the focus is on how this event could affect their star player, Kelce. The last thing the Chiefs need is for their most dynamic offensive weapon to be sidelined due to a lack of protection from the officials. While Kelce didn’t appear to be seriously injured, the tension between the two teams is undoubtedly building. This incident is likely to be a point of focus for the next matchup between the two teams, especially if Tart’s behavior goes unpunished.
