Free-agent star second baseman DJ LeMahieu has reportedly asked his representatives to re-engage with interested teams after becoming “dismayed” by negotiations with the New York Yankees.
According to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports, LeMahieu is expected to have virtual meetings with several previously interested teams this week, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox and others.
Brown adds that the 32-year-old LeMahieu is asking for a contract in the ballpark of J.D. Martinez’s five years and $110 million with the Red Sox.
The free-agent market this off-season has been slow so far as teams continue to grapple with financial losses from the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of the 2021 season. While players like Blake Snell, Yu Darvish and Francisco Lindor have switched teams via trades, all the top free agents including LeMahieu, Trevor Bauer and George Springer, continue to seek employment.
LeMahieu has finished in the top four in voting for the American League MVP award in each of the last two seasons, both as a member of the Yankees, and is a two-time batting champ. His strong bat and ability to play across the infield make him a popular target, but so far teams have not been able to meet his contract expectations.
