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.