After waiting patiently in free agency, the New York Yankees have reportedly found their prized infielder. On Friday, the Yankees reportedly signed free agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu to a two-year contract.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, LeMahieu and the Yankees agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $24M total.
Source confirms: Free-agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu heading to #Yankees on two-year deal. Believed to be in $24M range. First reported: @JackCurryYES.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 11, 2019
LeMahieu, a three-time Gold Glove recipient at second base with the Colorado Rockies, joins the Yankees after he slashed .276/.321/.428 with 15 home runs across the 2018 season.
He is widely considered to be one of the best defenders at his position in baseball, something New York reportedly plans to take advantage of.
The Yankees plan to use LeMahieu as a versatile player around the infield. They will use him at second base, first base and third base.
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) January 11, 2019
Moving LeMahieu around the infield will add to a versatile lineup that can allow New York to play matchups. While his defensive capabilities at first base and third base aren’t known, he has proven throughout his career that he can be a great defender.