Yankees News/Rumors: Surprise West-Coast team enters the fold for DJ LeMahieu

Oct 8, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu (26) throws to first base to retire Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Willy Adames (not pictured) during the seventh inning of game four of the 2020 ALDS at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees might be waiting a bit too long in their negotiation process with star infielder DJ LeMahieu. After two stellar seasons in pinstripes, LeMahieu is looking for a long-term deal, and a number of teams have come calling for his services. It is known that DJ prefers to stay in the Bronx, as he has vocalized that in recent months.

Nonetheless, there are teams that see him as a potential solution at second base or even on the hot corner. So far, the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets have contacted DJ and his representatives, gauging an asking price. The Yankees are reportedly about $25 million away from finding a compromise, but if no other teams are willing to increase his potential deal, the Yankees could force his representatives to meet them in the middle.

Another team has entered the fold, though, which could pose an even bigger threat to DJ leaving the Yankees. The Los Angeles Dodgers have pegged him as a potential fit and considering he most recently won the batting title in 2020, acquiring him but significantly improve their infield and team.

â€œFrom what Iâ€™m hearing,Â DJ LeMahieu is on their radar,â€ David Vassegh of 570 LA Sports said Tuesday on MLB Networkâ€™s Hot Stove. â€œThey are definitely in talks with LeMahieu.â€

The Dodgers are still trying to figure out a few different pieces, but DJ would certainly solve a few questions they currently have.

â€œWhere Justin Turner stands, still we donâ€™t know. We know that the Dodgers are allowing him to explore free agency. Iâ€™m not sure where that process is with Justin and the Dodgers, but from what I was told (Monday) night, the Dodgers are definitely in the mix for DJ LeMahieu, who would really fit in nicely to be able to play second base and also third base.

â€œYou would imagine if the Dodgers do end up signing DJ LeMahieu, that may make things a little bit more precarious for Turner to come back. How much longer can you allow Turner to check out his options and not lose out on others that can improve your team, especially now with Blake Snell in the same division.â€

Considering the San Diego Padres just acquired Yu Darvish and Blake Snell, the Dodgers could feel as though they need to make a move ASAP. Acquiring DJ would be a luxurious move, and considering the strength of their team, they would be immediate favorites for the World Series once again. The Yankees need to be extremely careful with their timeline here because he could easily be stolen away in the blink of an eye.