Former Colorado Rockies infielder DJ LeMahieu is headed to the Yankees on a two-year, $24 million deal to serve as infield depth.
The New York Yankees will sign second baseman DJ LeMahieu to a two-year, $24 million deal. Jack Curry of the YES Network reported the agreement, while Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic added the financial details. Curry also added the Yankees plan to use LeMahieu all around the infield.
Yankees are closing in on a two-year deal with infielder DJ LeMahieu,
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) January 11, 2019
Source confirms: Free-agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu heading to #Yankees on two-year deal. Believed to be in $24M range. First reported: @JackCurryYES.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 11, 2019
The Yankees plan to use LeMahieu as a versatile player around the infield. They will use him at second base, first base and third base.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) January 11, 2019
LeMahieu, 30, spent the last seven seasons manning second base for the Colorado Rockies. He earned a reputation as a strong defensive infielder, posting a DRS of 67 and UZR of 26.5 as a second baseman. LeMahieu also spent time at third base, with limited appearances at first base and shortstop. His efforts won him three Gold Gloves, including one last year.
And LeMahieu is no slouch with the bat, either. He hit .276 with a career-high 15 home runs last season but also took home the NL batting crown when he hit .348 in 2016. He has posted a line of .312/.372/.443 over the last three years.
There’s no question this is a great signing for the Yankees, but one query remains. Where does LeMahieu fit in the lineup? Does new signee Troy Tulowitzki suddenly have to compete for playing time with Gleyber Torres? Will LeMahieu join the first base battle between Greg Bird and Luke Voit? What of slugger Miguel Andujar’s awful third base defense? And what about when Didi Gregorius returns from Tommy John surgery?
Either way, this is a good problem for the Yankees to have. On top of having depth even the Red October couldn’t handle, DJ LeMahieu’s deal should be easy to move in a potential trade.
Buckle up, Yankees fans. 2019 is shaping up to be a fun-looking season!
