The DJ LeMahieu sweepstakes appear to be heating up.
According to RADIO.COM MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the New York Mets have recently contacted the free agent second baseman, which could set up a competition for LeMahieu between the two New York teams.
The Mets have reportedly been among the teams interested in LeMahieu but this is the first report of the team having contact with the free agent.
LeMahieu and the Yankees are reportedly far apart in negotiations – wider than $25 million – and has decided to engage with other teams.
LeMahieu has reportedly said he wants to remain in New York, but as CC Sabathia said on WFAN Monday, New York does not necessarily mean he has to stay with the Yankees if the Mets are offering more money.
With new owner Steve Cohen at the helm and the Yankees believed to be on a budget due to the losses they sustained from the pandemic-shortened season, the Mets could be a realistic possibility for LeMahieu.
How much of a priority LeMahieu is for the Mets is uncertain, though.
The Mets are believed to be heavily in on outfielder George Springer and could spend other resources investing in pitching.
LeMahieu, 32, has been the Yankees’ best hitter the last two seasons and his versatility would be attractive to any team.
With the baseball offseason moving slowly, it will be interesting to see how the LeMahieu radar develops.
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