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.