In an expected move, the Yankees have officially extended a qualifying offer to DJ LeMahieu, the team announced on Sunday.
The Yankees have extended a qualifying offer to INF DJ LeMahieu.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) November 1, 2020
LeMahieu has been everything and more for the pinstripes since he was signed by GM Brian Cashman back in 2019. His two-year deal was well worth it as he was the team’s MVP in his first year, and he just won the AL batting title this past season.
Will LeMahieu except the deal worth $18.9 million? In an expected down market this year due to coronavirus losses, it’ll be interesting to see if players decide to test that market or go with the qualifying offer and try to work something out later on.
LeMahieu is one of the top position players on the market after posting a .336/.386/.536 slash line with 36 homers and 129 RBI over the last two seasons with the Yanks. He’s a versatile infielder that can play every position but shortstop and is always an extremely tough out at the dish.
Because of that, the Yankees will definitely have some competition for him if he decides not to go with the qualifying offer. But Cashman knows LeMahieu has not only earned whatever is coming his way contract-wise, but he has become a critical piece of this Yankees team. It’s hard to see someone outbidding the Yanks for his services now and for years to come.
The ball is in LeMahieu’s court now, though, so the Yankees will await his response to the offer.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].