Rise to Success: Career Highlights of DJ LeMahieu

Discover the career path of DJ LeMahieu, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

David John LeMahieu, known as DJ LeMahieu, is an American professional baseball infielder currently playing for the New York Yankees in MLB. Before joining the Yankees, he played for the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies. A versatile player known for his hitting ability and defensive skills, LeMahieu has established himself as a valuable asset in Major League Baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: LSU Reaches NCAA Post-Season

In 2005, Louisiana State University (LSU) reached the NCAA post-season play for the first time since 2005.

2007: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers

In 2007, after his senior year, LeMahieu was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the MLB draft but did not sign so that he could attend college.

2008: Hitting Streak

At the end of the 2008 campaign, LeMahieu had a 16-game consecutive hitting streak, adding to the streak in 2009.

2008: Cape Cod Baseball League

In 2008, LeMahieu was part of the Harwich Mariners team in the Cape Cod Baseball League. He was named a league all-star and earned the team's regular-season MVP award.

2008: Freshman Year at LSU

In 2008, as a freshman at LSU, LeMahieu started in 67 of 68 games, hit .337, and helped LSU reach the NCAA post-season play.

2009: Highest Batting Average

In 2009, Derek Jeter posted the highest batting average for a Yankee player since Derek Jeter hit .334.

2009: College World Series Championship

In 2009, LeMahieu helped LSU win the College World Series championship and was selected to the All-Tournament team.

2009: Drafted by Chicago Cubs

In 2009, the Chicago Cubs selected LeMahieu in the second round of the MLB draft, and he played for the Peoria Chiefs.

2009: Selected in MLB Draft

In 2009, the Cubs selected LeMahieu in the second round of the MLB draft.

2010: Plays for Daytona Cubs

In 2010, LeMahieu played with the Daytona Cubs and earned a Florida State League post-season All-Star selection.

May 30, 2011: MLB Debut

On May 30, 2011, LeMahieu made his major league debut for the Chicago Cubs, pinch-hitting against the Houston Astros.

December 8, 2011: Traded to Colorado Rockies

On December 8, 2011, LeMahieu was traded by the Cubs to the Colorado Rockies.

2011: Plays for Tennessee Smokies

In 2011, LeMahieu began the season with the Tennessee Smokies.

2011: MLB Debut for the Cubs

In 2011, LeMahieu made his MLB debut for the Chicago Cubs.

May 23, 2012: Called Up to Major Leagues

On May 23, 2012, LeMahieu was called up to the major leagues to replace injured Jonathan Herrera as a utility infielder.

2012: Traded to the Rockies

Before the 2012 season, LeMahieu was traded to the Colorado Rockies.

2012: Joins Colorado Springs Sky Sox

In 2012, LeMahieu began the season with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox of the PCL.

2013: Yankee with Batting Average

In 2013, Canó was the Yankee to qualify for the batting title with a .300+ batting average since Canó.

2014: Played Multiple Positions

In 2014, LeMahieu played in multiple positions for the first time, but did not cover shortstop that season.

2018: Career High Home Runs and Defensive Excellence

In the 2018 season, LeMahieu hit a career-high 15 home runs and continued his defensive excellence, earning a third Gold Glove.

January 14, 2019: Signed with New York Yankees

On January 14, 2019, LeMahieu signed a two-year deal with the New York Yankees.

August 8, 2019: High Exit Velocity

As of August 8, 2019, DJ LeMahieu, despite not having a traditional power hitter's approach, compensated with a high exit velocity of 91.7 mph, enabling him to hit for extra bases.

2019: Multiple Infield Positions

In 2019, LeMahieu played first, second, and third base due to team injuries. He was the first Yankees player to make 25 starts in each of the three different infield positions.

January 27, 2021: Signed Six-Year Deal with Yankees

On January 27, 2021, LeMahieu signed a six-year deal in free agency to return to the Yankees.

2021: Batting Average and Field Percentage

In 2021, LeMahieu batted .268/.349/.362 and had the lowest pull percentage in the major leagues (at 24.8%), and the highest opposite field percentage (at 35.8%).

2022: Gold Glove Award

In 2022, DJ LeMahieu batted .261 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs. He faced a high percentage of fastballs and swung at a low percentage of pitches in the strike zone. Notably, he became the first recipient of the American League Gold Glove Award for a utility player in 2022.

2023: Performance spike after coaching change

In 2023, DJ LeMahieu played 136 games for the Yankees, batting .243 with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs. His performance improved after Sean Casey replaced Dillon Lawson as hitting coach midseason in 2023.

May 28, 2024: Return from Injured List

DJ LeMahieu was activated from the injured list and returned to the Yankees' lineup on May 28, 2024, after recovering from a non-displaced fracture of his right foot, which he sustained prior to the 2024 season.