With a void at third base due to Justin Turner reaching free agency this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers have regularly been connected to DJ LeMahieu.
It had been long believed LeMahieu would remain with the New York Yankees, though there were indications of be recent frustration over stalled negotiations in what’s been yet another slow-moving free agency period.
Although LeMahieu’s representatives reportedly planned to re-engage with other teams, the Dodgers were still said to prefer re-signing Turner. The two sides may now have further incentive to come to terms as LeMahieu is no longer on the market.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Yankees and LeMahieu have agreed on a six-year, $90 million contract:
Second baseman DJ LeMahieu and the New York Yankees are finalizing a six-year, $90M contract, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN.
LeMahieu’s return to New York always felt inevitable. It took a while. But he wanted to be there and Yankees get top free agent target.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 15, 2021
LeMahieu reportedly was in search of a contract in the neighborhood of five years and $125 million. Although he appears to have fallen short in terms of value, the agreement has an extra year.
That also is a boon to the Yankees, as the $15 million average annual value will aid their efforts in avoiding significant luxury tax penalties.
LeMahieu batted a combined .336/.386/.536 with 43 doubles, 36 home runs and 129 RBI over the past two seasons with the Yankees.
Will Dodgers now re-sign Turner?
Although the Dodgers have been reported as being interested in re-signing Turner, the sides appear to be apart on a potential contract. Turner is thought to seek a four-year deal, while L.A. was more interested in half that length.
Negotiations may now pick up with LeMahieu returning to the Yankees, though Kris Bryant and Eugenio Suarez have been mentioned as potential trade targets for the Dodgers.
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