
While the New York Yankees chose to drop out of contention for superstar free agent Manny Machado, so we think, they managed to secure several other quality players to fill the gaps.
Ranging from the man that almost dethroned Derek Jeter – Troy Tulowitzki – to strikeout maestro Adam Ottavino, the least talked about has been DJ LeMahieu. The 2016 NL Batting Title winner will add immense value to the infield. Both his offensive and defensive stats are impressive, and he’s just entering the twilight of his prime.
The former Rockie still has plenty of value to contribute to another winning season (hopefully) for the Yanks. I can imagine him playing a rotational role, keeping the starters fresh. But his substantial experience should contribute to the growth and development of players like Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar.
Sitting on a two-year, $24 million deal, LeMahieu should play a solid role in the infield. The case for the second-baseman is simple — he’s an above average defender and has a career .298/.350/.406 slash line. There’s no evidence to prove that he’s anything but a great clubhouse guy and the quintessential hard worker.
The negatives:
On paper, DJ is a great option and should seemingly be a hot commodity on the market. The primary red flag is his margin for error at home compared to being on the road.
Since joining Colorado in 2013, LaMahieu has hit an impressive .331/.391/.449 at Coors field, and a far less enticing .264/.312/.365 on the road. That differential is massive, and is likely a reason competing teams elected to stand idly by.
For the Yankees, they have a home-run friendly stadium with short porches. LeMahieu could potentially replicate his success as a home-hitter with the Yankees, and that’s the value they’re trying to extract.
The Yankees are changing course:
It seems as if GM Brian Cashman elected to take a base-hit approach to this offseason. No metaphors – he quite literally has signed players they’re known for hitting for bases and not homers. The signings of Tulowitzki and LeMahieu attest to that.
Moving forward, I believe that the pair of infielders will play essential roles for a win-now Yankees team. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bombers take a more statistical approach to their infield defense.