DJ LeMahieu is reportedly seeking a lengthy contract in free agency, so Steve Cohen and the New York Mets might need to give him a longer deal than they want to in order to move him across the city.
Pat Ragazzo of Mets Merized has reported that LeMahieu is seeking a five-year contract in free agency and is willing to take a hometown discount to stay with the New York Yankees.
As Ragazzo pointed out, some teams might be hesitant to give LeMahieu–who will be 33 on Opening Day–that fifth year. He would be on the wrong end of 30 in many front offices’ eyes.
His now-former team in the Bronx is making LeMahieu their top priority this winter. He was their most consistent offensive player. He was named a finalist for the American League Most Valuable Player award, which went to Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu.
The Mets are likely going to be interested in signing LeMahieu after their starting second baseman, Robinson Cano, tested positive for PED’s for the second time in his career and therefore will be missing the entire 2021 season. The Mets also don’t have to pay Cano the $24 million salary he was scheduled to earn. They get $20 million freed up to allocate elsewhere (Seattle was going to pay 4 of the $24 million).
That $20 million could now be used to give LeMahieu the fifth year (among other options) that other teams might not be willing to give him and maybe the deciding factor to what leads to LeMahieu moving from Yankee Stadium to Citi Field.
The Yankees should still be viewed as the favorite to sign him. He has enjoyed his time there so Cohen might have to dig a little bit deeper into his pockets if they want to persuade LeMahieu to leave the Yankees lineup.
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