This offseason, stories about the New York Yankees free-agent DJ LeMahieu are heating up the hot stove to seldom seen heat. The Yankees will do everything in their power to keep the award-winning second baseman in pinstripes at Yankee Stadium. But they won’t be alone in their quest to re-sign the star. Several teams have expressed an interest, including now the Washington Nationals.
The rumor mill also has the crosstown New York Met possibly being interested after their second baseman Robinson Cano has been suspended for the entire 2021 after being tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Cano’s loss will free up $20 million for new Met’s owner Steve Cohen to use, not that he needs more money. Cohen has said he would like to make a splash in making the New York Mets a premium MLB team.
The New York Post has reported that the Mets are still in second place for a landing spot for LeMahieu behind the Yankees. LeMahieu is reportedly seeking a five-year contract, but at the moment, the Yankees are only comfortable offering a 3-4 year deal. However, Jim Bowden of CBS Sports believes LeMahieu’s preference is to return to the Bronx, and a deal could potentially be done before Spring Training.
Regardless of the possible competition between the Yankees and the Mets, there are plenty of other suiters; the leading ones are the Los Angeles Angels, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Washington Nationals. MLBtraderumors.com has forecasted that LeMahieu will ultimately land with the Blue Jays. Others say that LeMahieu likes New York, and playing at Roger’s Center in Toronto would put the Blue Jays at a geographical disadvantage.
The Washington Nationals appear to be more than interested in DJ as they have had their collective eyes on him for years. The New York Yankees knew they would have competition in re-signing second baseman DJ LeMahieu, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Washington Nationals are also in on him. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the Nationals have had continued interest in LeMahieu, which goes back as far as two offseasons ago.
When LeMahieu was a free agent two years ago, Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post reported the Nationals had “a few discussions” with LeMahieu’s representatives two years ago. Still, he ultimately signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the New York Yankees. But all that is in the past, and now LeMahieu is the hottest free-agent on the market.
Although most of the moves general manager Brian Cashman may make might wait until later in the offseason to find clarity as to what a 2021 season may look like, many feel he was nail down LeMahieu earlier than other moves as it is his top priority to sign the batting title LeMahieu for the New York Yankees.