Breaking News: New York Yankees Sign Star Infielder to 1-Year, $5.98 Million Deal to Replace Injured DJ LeMahieu

The New York Yankees have made a key addition to their infield, agreeing to terms with versatile infielder Luis Rengifo on a one-year, $5.98 million contract. The move comes as the Yankees look to bolster their depth following the news that veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu is expected to miss the start of the season due to a lingering injury. The signing was announced earlier today by Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who emphasized the importance of adding a reliable and experienced player to fill the gap left by LeMahieu’s absence.

LeMahieu, a key piece of the Yankees’ infield and lineup over the past several seasons, has been dealing with an injury that will likely sideline him for several weeks. While the exact nature of the injury has not been disclosed, sources close to the team suggest that it is not expected to require surgery. Still, the Yankees were proactive in finding a capable replacement, and Rengifo emerged as a strong fit due to his defensive versatility and ability to contribute offensively.

Luis Rengifo, 27, spent the past five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, where he developed a reputation as a dependable utility player. In 2024, Rengifo had a breakout campaign, batting .264 with 16 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a .745 OPS in 126 games. His ability to play multiple infield positions — including second base, shortstop, and third base — made him an attractive option for the Yankees, who value defensive flexibility.

Cashman spoke highly of Rengifo’s potential impact on the team, saying, “Luis is a player we’ve had our eye on for a while. His versatility in the infield and his ability to contribute offensively give us a lot of options while DJ is out. We’re confident that he’ll be able to step in and make a meaningful contribution right away.”

Rengifo’s signing provides the Yankees with much-needed stability as they navigate the early part of the season without LeMahieu. While LeMahieu has been a consistent force both defensively and at the plate since joining the Yankees in 2019, injuries have hampered his availability in recent seasons. Last year, he played in only 115 games due to a combination of foot and calf issues. The Yankees are hopeful that this latest setback will be short-term, but Rengifo’s presence ensures that they won’t be left scrambling to fill the void.

Rengifo’s defensive versatility allows manager Aaron Boone to rotate him across the infield, depending on matchups and team needs. He is expected to see most of his playing time at second base but could also shift to shortstop or third base if needed. Boone expressed confidence in Rengifo’s ability to adjust to the Yankees’ system, saying, “Luis has shown that he can play at a high level in this league. We’re excited to have him on board and know he’s going to be a big part of our success early in the season.”

Rengifo’s contract, worth just under $6 million, represents a low-risk, high-reward move for the Yankees. If he performs well, he could provide valuable depth even after LeMahieu returns. Conversely, if LeMahieu’s recovery takes longer than anticipated, Rengifo’s ability to hold down an everyday role will be critical for the Yankees’ playoff hopes.

As Spring Training progresses, the Yankees will look to integrate Rengifo into their lineup and evaluate how he meshes with the rest of the infield. The early reports out of the Yankees’ camp suggest that Rengifo is eager to make an impact, and his addition gives the team valuable insurance and flexibility heading i

nto the season.