The New York Yankees released DJ LeMahieu on Thursday and are now presumably in the market for a third baseman. However, releasing LeMahieu actually limits which players they can target.

LeMahieu had been playing second base because third base was physically a challenge for him following a slew of injuries. As a result, Jazz Chisholm Jr. was playing third base. Chisholm was struggling at third base, and LeMahieu was struggling at second base. The Yankees made the tough decision to bench LeMahieu and get Chisholm, who is a great defender at second base, back to his original position.

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LeMahieu was designated for assignment the day following his move to the bench. He was still owed $22 million on his six-year, $90 million deal. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, that alone could limit the Yankees’ options at the trade deadline.

“The $22 million the Yankees are obligated to pay DJ LeMahieu makes a rental such as Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez a more logical fit for them at third base than a player such as St. Louis’ Nolan Arenado or Colorado’s Ryan McMahon, who is signed beyond 2025,” wrote Rosenthal.

Arenado has two more seasons left on his eight-year, $260 million deal. Paying him plus the remaining $22 million LeMahieu is owed would put the Yankees in a tough position.

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Arenado has been involved in trade rumors all year. However, the St. Louis Cardinals are starting to slide in the standings after a strong start, and the star third baseman could actually be dealt at the deadline. His contract will be an obstacle for most teams interested in him. He could have been a great fit with the Yankees. His offensive numbers have declined, but his defense alone would have been a huge asset to the team.

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