DJ LeMahieu forgotten in New York Yankees first base hunt

There is a great deal of speculation as to who will be at first base on Opening Day for the New York Yankees. Luke Voit may be the first baseman on the roster, but the Yankees have been attempting to move on from him since the trade deadline. Not only are they listed amongst the favorites for Freddie Freeman and Anthony Rizzo in free agency, but they are also expected to be a part of the Matt Olson Sweepstakes when the A’s begin their fire sale.

But there is one player that is being overlooked. DJ LeMahieu may factor into the Yankees’ hunt for a first baseman, especially if their external options do not come to fruition.

New York Yankees may have to turn to DJ LeMahieu at first base

As it is, LeMahieu is currently without a position in the Yankees’ lineup. As they are intent on moving Gleyber Torres to second, LeMahieu would likely be shifting back to his envisioned super utility role. He would still be in the lineup on a regular basis, only without a set place defensively.

LeMahieu has demonstrated the offensive capability to be a viable option at first. He produced a .336/.386/.536 batting line in his 871 plate appearances, hitting 36 homers and 43 doubles. That production would fit in perfectly at first base.

The problem is that he reverted back to being the player he had been in Colorado. His .268/.349/.362 batting line led to a 97 OPS+, slightly better than the 93 OPS+ he had produced with the Rockies. Add in his ten homers and 24 doubles in his 697 plate appearances and the 2021 season was a disappointment.

As it stands, LeMahieu may be the Yankees’ best option. They clearly do not trust Voit to stay healthy, or to be the player he was for them in the 2020 season. But that leap of faith with LeMahieu may not be their best option.

DJ LeMahieu has been overlooked in the New York Yankees search for a first baseman. Unless they add another piece, he could end up with the job.