It is no secret that the New York Yankees are heavily pursuing star infielder DJ LeMahieu on an extension, but general manager Brian Cashman has dragged out the process and allowed other clubs to begin inquiring about his services. Teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets have both made contact with LeMahieu’s representatives, and they both represent solid alternatives for the batting title winner from 2020.
The Yankees know how valuable DJ is, defensively and offensively. The problem is, he’s asking for a bit too much money ($25 million apart), and Cashman wants to wait as long as possible to drive down his value. Acting too quickly and overpaying for him is not what the Yankees want to do after a financially down campaign. They want to stay under the $210 million luxury tax threshold, as managing partner Hal Steinbrenner stated at the conclusion of the season.
Nonetheless, we have to prepare for the reality that DJ signs elsewhere since a different team may offer him more money and years than the Yankees. Cashman is already on the hook for Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole, two players who have monster contracts, and one of them is currently hurting the team’s ability to spend in free agency.
What should the New York Yankees do if DJ Texas towns elsewhere?
There have been reports that have indicated the Cleveland Indians’ desire to trade away Francisco Lindor, and he is a player that the Yankees have been connected to for quite some time.
With Gleyber Torres currently at shortstop, management has already admitted his better position is second base.
“He’s more than capable of playing short, but I acknowledge he is a better second baseman than a shortstop,’’ Cashman said.
He was out of shape for the 2020 season after operations shut down in March due to COVID. They still feel that Torres is capable of holding down the spot in 2021, but replacing him could be a reality if the Yankees lose out on LeMahieu.
With money opening up in this case, the Bombers could trade for Lindor and sign him to an extension. This would lock down one of the most important positions in baseball with arguably the best infielder in the game.
In 2020, Lindor finished with a .258 average with eight homers and 27 RBIs. This was actually a down year for the star shortstop, after posting 32 homers and 74 RBIs in 2019. He is a fantastic player, and with the Yankees turning no-name athletes into sluggers at an absurd rate, I believe Lindor would get even better in pinstripes.
It is clear that Cashman has a few tricks up his sleeve if DJ walks, which is why they aren’t overpaying him and offering him a blank check, as most expected during the season. Whether do they make a run at Lindor or sign a starting pitcher, the Yankees will be fine in 2021. One way or another, an elite level player will be coming to the Bronx.