It looks like DJ LeMahieu's savvy negotiation tactics have gotten him somewhere.
After the two parties were reported to have been significantly far apart in contract talks for some time, LeMahieu and the New York Yankees seem to have patched up any holes and are finalizing an agreement, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
It will be interesting to see what the terms ultimately come out to, considering LeMahieu had reportedly been frustrated with the team through negotiations, and the gap in their interest was said to have been "wider than $25 million."
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RADIO.COM Sports MLB insider Jon Heyman gave us some insight as to what the deal might look like (video at the top of this page), telling WFAN on Thursday that he still viewed the Yankees as the clear favorites despite conflicting reports and that they were "willing to go four years... and close to $20 million at this point."
A four-year deal would make LeMahieu nearly 37 at the time of its expiration, but at this point, he's getting better with age. After finding his way as a contact hitter throughout a seven-year stint in Colorado in his 20s — securing two All-Star selections and a batting title — LeMahieu has developed into one of the most fearsome sluggers in all of baseball since joining the Yankees. His .364 batting average in 2020 led all of baseball, and his 1.011 OPS was tops in the AL and fourth in the majors. He finished third in MVP voting as a result, trailing only Jose Abreu and Jose Ramirez.
Several members of the Yankees have reiterated the importance of bringing back LeMahieu, so this developing story will come as good news to his many teammates and coaches.
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