Free agent star infielder, DJ LeMahieu is reportedly seeking a five-year contract and is willing to take less money to stay with the New York Yankees, sources tell Metsmerized.
Sources: DJ LeMahieu is currently seeking a 5-year contract and is willing to take less money to stay with the #Yankees
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) November 19, 2020
LeMahieu turned down the Yankees one-year, $18.9 million qualifying offer earlier this month, but has been very vocal about his desire to remain in the Bronx.
The Yankees initially signed LeMahieu to a bargain deal of two-years, $24 million in the 2019 offseason. After winning the 2020 batting title and earning back-to-back silver sluggers in New York, LeMahieu hits the market as one of the top free agents available and is set to make a substantial raise this year.
The only dilemma for the Yankees and other teams around the league is, LeMahieu is turning 33-years-old this season, which means clubs might be hesitant about giving him that fifth year despite how well he has performed.
Longtime YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay believes the Yankees will be willing to go three or four years while LeMahieu and his agent are currently at five.
Michael Kay just said he's been told DJ LeMahieu's agent is pushing for a five year deal, and he believes the Yankees will go three years, maybe four if that means getting it done. Sounds similar to what I've heard in terms of how far the Yankees may go
— Dan Federico (@DanJFederico) November 18, 2020
And according to YES Network analyst Jack Curry, LeMahieu’s agent believes his client is worth $20 million annually at five-years, $100 million.
Making the case for the Yankees re-signing DJ LeMahieu in free agency with @boblorenz, @JackCurryYES & @flash17yes. pic.twitter.com/Qsg4amkqym
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) November 17, 2020
MLB Insider Jim Bowden also confirmed Thursday night that bringing back LeMahieu is at the top of the Yankees’ priority list and it’s apparent that LeMahieu’s preference is returning to the Bronx.
The #Yankees have made it clear that bringing back 2B D.J. LeMahieu is their top priority. As the negotiations grind on it’s also evident that LeMahieu preference is to return to the Bronx Bombers. #OnlyMatteroftime #$$$$
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) November 20, 2020
The Mets now have a vacancy in their infield following the suspension of Robinson Cano and LeMahieu’s bat and glove would be a major upgrade in Queens. An industry source told Ken Davidoff of The New York Post that the Mets are LeMahieu’s second option due to his strong desire to stay in New York.
Although Steve Cohen and the Mets received a $20 million boost to their payroll as a result of losing Cano, sources are saying it’s not all about the money for LeMahieu, whose heart appears to remain with their crosstown rivals.
