The New York Yankees are doing everything in their power to keep DJ LeMahieu in the infield, the only issue is that he desires a five-year contract, and they would prefer to settle for less.
Four years with a club or vesting option would suffice, but DJ’s desire to stay long term in his future home is the driving factor, despite his admittance to remain in pinstripes.
If the Yankees continue to drag out the negotiation process into the dark days of winter, other teams could come calling for his services, if they haven’t already.
“I don’t put it out of contention that he fits well with the Mets, in that he can play third base. I’ve seen him play third base. I think he can do it well, if they wanted to. It’s the kind of right-handed bat that the Mets could certainly use because they’re so left-handed heavy. I think them, I think Toronto. I’m going to tell you a sneaky one, I think. I think the Dodgers could play for him.
“Because if you think about how the Dodgers are constructed right now, they were very much Yankee-like offensively a couple of years ago, and their offense has become more of a battle-each-pitch, a little more put-it-in-play. Now some of that has to do with someone like Mookie Betts. But even if they were to keep Justin Turner, which I think they want to do, you know he grew up a Dodgers fan, I think he has a lot of value to the Dodgers inside their clubhouse, the end of the season not withstanding with what happened with his COVID case and coming back on the field, I think at his age, we would say that Turner is probably a guy that would play what, 100, 110 games at third base? So I’ve already created 50ish, 60 games at third. I think I could get 50 or 60 or more at second with some kind of share with Gavin Lux, and against tough left-handers, you put Max Muncy on the bench at first base, I think you get to 150 games easy with LeMahieu.
The New York Yankees are testing their luck:
There’s always a slight chance that New York Mets owner Steve Cohen takes a shot at the batting title winner from 2020. After Robinson Canó tested positive for PED’s, they have a void at second base, and LeMahieu could fill it with ease.
Considering the value he has produced in New York the past two seasons, he understands the market and has dominated in one of the most aggressive places to play in the country. The demanding of quality performances is a major factor in New York, and taking his talents to the Mets could make sense, especially since they’re willing to spend ample money this off-season.
Nonetheless, the Dodgers also could be in the market for a new infielder, but LeMahieu making the transition to third base could be problematic. LeMahieu has played 104 games at third base over six seasons, recording a .951 feeling percentage with 10 errors.
It would be awfully optimistic for the Dodgers to spend big money on a player who doesn’t have a proven past at third, but if you’re a Yankees fan, you know LeMahieu excels wherever he plays. The Yankees need to tie up these negotiations quickly before his representation starts seriously considering alternative teams.