With the start of 2021 Spring Training six weeks away, MLB free agency has largely been slow moving as the sport is coming off a season in which owners claim to have lost upwards of $3 billion.
The bulk of the activity this winter has come on the trade front, and in particular from the San Diego Padres. The Los Angeles Dodgers also completed trades, acquiring Corey Knebel and Garrett Cleavinger in separate deals.
They additionally re-signed Jimmy Nelson, and brought back Brandon Morrow and Brock Stewart on Minor League contracts as well. In terms of free agents, the Dodgers have been connected to the likes of Liam Hendriks, DJ LeMahieu and Justin Turner.
According to Jon Morosoi of MLB Network, the Dodgers continue to convey their interest in potentially signing LeMahieu:
The #Dodgers have continued to show interest in free agent DJ LeMahieu, source confirms. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 2, 2021
The report comes not long after the Dodgers were said to have been engaged in talks with the 32-year-old. LeMahieu is also believed to be receiving varying degrees of interest from the incumbent New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and Mets.
LeMahieu is thought to be seeking a contract in the neighborhood of five years and $125 million. The Yankees have long been considered the frontrunner for LeMahieu. He did reject the qualifying offer, which would result in the Dodgers losing a draft pick and international bonus pool money in order to sign the Visalia, Calif., native.
LeMahieu is coming off another strong season with the Yankees despite contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) in July and also missing time because of a left thumb sprain. An All-Star in 2019, LeMahieu hit a combined .336/.386/.536 with 43 doubles, 36 home runs and 129 RBI.
He additionally was named to the All-MLB First Team and won a Silver Slugger in each of the past two seasons.
How LeMahieu would fit on Dodgers
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman identified the bullpen and adding a right-handed bat as priorities this offseason. The Dodgers’ group of relief pitchers has been addressed in some part, and signing LeMahieu would check off the second box.
He could play third base if Turner departs in free agency, or perhaps be a solution at second base if the Dodgers looked to sign both infielders.
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