New York Yankees: Three destinations for DJ LeMahieu
DJ LeMahieu may be one of the more intriguing free agents on the market. Let’s look at three potential landing spots for the New York Yankees infielder.
What a difference two years make for DJ LeMahieu. While there was plenty of interest in his services in his first foray into free agency, there were also questions as to whether or not his production would translate away from the Rockies. The New York Yankees inked the infielder to a two year deal worth $24 million, gambling that he would be a productive bat in the middle of their lineup.
That gamble more than paid off. LeMahieu was one of the best players in the game over the past two seasons, earning two top four finishes in the MVP vote and winning the 2020 AL batting crown. In doing so, he became the first player to win the batting title in both leagues, a truly incredible feat.
This time, not only will there be plenty of interest in DJ LeMahieu once again, but his earning potential has skyrocketed. Let’s look at the three most likely landings spots for the New York Yankees infielder.
New York Yankees
Let’s begin with the obvious – the New York Yankees want LeMahieu back.
One can understand why that would be the case. He was an absolute bargain for New York, producing an impressive .336/.386/536 batting line with 36 homers and 43 doubles in his 871 plate appearances. He provided excellent defense at second, third, and first for the Yankees, filling in as needed when injuries struck their lineup.
That is where his value truly lies in New York. Not only is he an excellent batter atop the lineup, but his defensive versatility gives the Yankees an added layer of protection on their roster. Considering their injury woes over the past few seasons, having a player such as LeMahieu on the roster goes a long way to patching those holes.
DJ LeMahieu was a bargain for the New York Yankees. It should not be a surprise that they would want him back.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays were interested in DJ LeMahieu before he signed with the New York Yankees prior to the 2019 season. They are once again in pursuit of the talented infielder.
LeMahieu could solve several problems for the Blue Jays. Toronto has a potential hole at third, as Travis Shaw is a candidate to be non-tendered. LeMahieu could slot at third, or remain primarily as a second baseman and move Cavan Biggio to the hot corner.
He would also provide a different element to the top of the Blue Jays lineup. While he may not possess the type of speed that one thinks of for a leadoff hitter, LeMahieu makes contact, striking out in only 13.1% of his plate appearances over the past five seasons. In that time, he has also drawn walks at an 8.2% clip, exactly league average. He simply gets on base and hits the ball hard.
Although there is expected to be some regression in terms of his power numbers, especially if LeMahieu leaves Yankee Stadium, his ability to make consistent hard contact and play multiple positions on the infield makes him an intriguing target. For the Blue Jays, who have stated that they intend to seek upgrades throughout the roster, LeMahieu would certainly be that player wherever he is put in the lineup.
Besides, adding DJ LeMahieu would weaken their divisional rivals. That has to be worth consideration.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals went from winning the World Series in 2019 to finishing in the basement of the NL East in 2020.
It is easy to see why. Injuries decimated the pitching staff, and the bullpen was a mess once again. The departure of Anthony Rendon left a gaping hole at the hot corner, and most of the lineup was slapped with the regression stick. Carter Kieboom was a disaster, to the point where it may be fair to question if he will live up to his former top prospect stature.
DJ LeMahieu would fill a major hole in the Nationals’ lineup. If they were to plug him at second, Starlin Castro could slide to third, where he performed well during his time in Miami. Otherwise, LeMahieu could take over at third, while the Nationals see what they have in Luis Garcia at second, with Castro filling more of a utility role.
Not only do the Nationals have similar needs to the Blue Jays, but they had also been interested in LeMahieu in his prior sojourn into free agency. Once Washington had the sense that they were out of the running, they instead signed Brian Dozier to a one year deal.
Next. The underrated DJ LeMahieu. dark
The New York Yankees infielder is generating plenty of interest in free agency. These three teams may be the favorites for his services going forward.